RismadarVoice Reporters
October 20, 2026
French supermarket giant Carrefour has warned that widespread riots, looting and security restrictions across France could reduce its operating income by as much as €200 million, forcing the company to cut its financial projections for 2026.
The retailer announced the revised outlook on Tuesday, October 20, following days of violent unrest that disrupted commercial activities, damaged retail outlets and weakened consumer confidence.
Carrefour’s Chief Executive Officer, Alexandre Bompard, described the situation as unprecedented, revealing that approximately 50 company stores were targeted during the first day of the violence.
He said several outlets suffered extensive damage and looting, while employees and business partners faced difficult and distressing circumstances.
The company is now assessing the destruction and working to reopen affected locations where security conditions permit.
According to Carrefour’s Chief Financial Officer, Matthieu Malige, the combined impact of property damage, stolen merchandise, temporary closures and additional security expenses could reduce operating income by between €80 million and €200 million.
The financial pressure has been compounded by reduced customer traffic and government-imposed curfews, which have forced some stores to shorten their operating hours.
Carrefour operates approximately 6,000 stores across France, including numerous convenience outlets in major cities such as Paris, Lyon and Marseille.
Many locations were temporarily closed as a precaution against further violence, although the company did not disclose the total number affected.
The retailer has also increased spending on private security personnel and other protective measures to safeguard its facilities and employees.
As a result, Carrefour has reduced its forecast for annual capital expenditure in France from €1.7 billion to €1.6 billion.
It now expects adjusted earnings per share to remain stable or record only modest growth in 2026, compared with its earlier projection of high single-digit growth.
The company also anticipates a slight decline in free cash flow compared with 2025.
Bompard expressed concern about additional demonstrations scheduled for October 24, calling for stronger security arrangements to protect businesses and workers.
The unrest has created further uncertainty for retailers preparing for the crucial year-end shopping season, including promotional sales and increased consumer spending.
Analysts say the disturbances could deepen existing economic pressures, particularly as French households continue to contend with elevated fuel prices and living costs.
Despite the disruption, Carrefour reported a 2.3 per cent increase in comparable sales during the third quarter of 2026, reflecting growth before the latest unrest significantly affected operations.
The company maintained that it would continue monitoring security developments while prioritising employee safety, reopening damaged stores and protecting essential commercial activities.
The potential €200 million financial impact remains an estimate, with the final cost dependent on the duration and severity of the unrest.
