Paris City Hall counted 450 vandalized shops after two days of unrest, while Euronews reported that a merchant whose store was looted faces continuing costs as he awaits an insurance assessment.
The city's Oct. 21 tally covers damage from violence on Oct. 17 and 18. It is up from an earlier city count of 283 shops, covered in EconoTimes' report on France's aid measures. The updated figure covers vandalism in Paris, rather than damage across France.
Hassan's technology and parcel-service shop near Place de la République was looted during the unrest, Euronews reported. He told the outlet that a security-camera feed showed about 30 people inside. He also said looters assaulted him and threatened to smash a wine bottle against his head.
Euronews reported that Hassan still faces rent, bills and employee costs while waiting for an insurer to assess the damage. Before starting a business, he worked in hospitality after arriving in France from Bangladesh in 2010, the outlet reported.
The Associated Press reported that the Oct. 17 demonstrations brought together people concerned about living costs and school conditions. Looting occurred alongside the marches.
France's Finance Ministry said affected businesses can use a temporary work program for employees unable to work. Eligible workers receive 60% of their gross wages, or 100% if they earn the minimum wage. For firms with fewer than 250 employees, the state covers the employer's share of the program's cost in full. The ministry said the measure is intended to preserve jobs.
The ministry proposed zero-interest Bpifrance loans of up to €50,000, repayable over three years. Chambers of trades and crafts have activated emergency grants of up to €1,500. Those figures are program limits, not amounts awarded to Hassan.
City Hall has opened a service to help merchants document damage, handle insurance claims and reopen their businesses.
