companies quantify their losses before Saturday's mobilization

While the "yellow vests" have called for a new day of mobilization Saturday throughout France and the Champs-Elysees, employers are worried. Monday, the Minister of Economy Bruno Le Maire had announced measures to support the companies affected by the movement, including a staggered social and fiscal deadlines and partial unemployment measures. He had promised that the government would "make sure" to ensure the freedom to trade and circulate. However, it seems that these announcements were not enough to rebadure the representatives of the commercial sector.

»READ ALSO -« Yellow vests »: already heavy economic consequences in the region

This Thursday, members of the business received at Matignon have indeed warned against the economic impact of the movement of discontent. "When the 'yellow vests' attack companies, clearly they are mistaken target and they shoot themselves in the foot," pleaded Jean-Eudes du Mesnil, Secretary General of the Confederation of Small and Medium companies (CPME).

A third weekend of blockage would be "catastrophic" for the trade

In a statement, the Federation of Commerce and Distribution (FCD) says that a third weekend of "blocking stores and warehouses" would be "catastrophic" for trade. "The blockages that our country has been experiencing for 12 days now have had extremely negative consequences for trade: closed or closed stores, a drop in patronage by customers who can no longer circulate, deliveries that are impossible due to the blocking of warehouses, a break in many products, sabotage of fuel pumps … ", deplores the FCD.

»READ ALSO -« Yellow Vests »: the dismay of traders on the Champs-Élysées

The federation, which includes most retail chains, says that sales in the sector recorded a "mbadive decline of 35%" the first Saturday of mobilization, and 20% over the last weekend, " without hope of postponement especially for fresh products. "The consequences are particularly heavy for our customers who can no longer make their purchases on the eve of the holidays, for our suppliers who can no longer deliver us, for our employees prevented from working and who may suffer the financial consequences or on their jobs, and for our stores, which record heavy losses, "says the FCD. It asks the public authorities "to do everything so that freedom of movement and access to our stores and warehouses are fully respected. It is a fundamental right that can not suffer from an exception, "says the federation.

In certain sectors of activity "loss of turnover oscillates between 40% and 80%"

For its part, the Council of Commerce of France (CDCF) deplores that "in certain sectors of activity, such as toy or equipment of the person, the loss of turnover oscillate between 40% and 80%". In addition, "in the food sector, local shops, especially downtown, must close for lack of supply. Not to mention the operating losses related to unsold fresh products. "The current situation is not sustainable economically and socially for trade. The month of December is the most important activity period of the year for the entire sector. It is also a time of hiring to strengthen the teams in the stores and warehouses to satisfy the more numerous customers. Today, these hirings are suspended. Some brands, especially in the DIY and gardening sector, have already had to put part of their teams on short-time work, "said the CDCF president, William Koeberlé.

Between 20,000 and 25,000 reservations canceled in December in hotels in the Paris region

The hotel industry is not spared either. "The images broadcast around the world have led a number of tourists to cancel their trip," says the hotel industry expert MKG, in a statement, referring to "a shortfall in the revenue of hotels that can up to 20%, an estimate of 10 million euros. "The events of November 24 put a" serious brake on tourism in the Paris region, "notes MKG. The cabinet estimates between 20,000 and 25,000 the number of nights canceled for the month of December, with peaks during the weekends, including that of New Year's Eve.

The president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) of Meurthe-et-Moselle also sounded the alarm on Thursday on the blockages of yellow vests in the department, citing "disastrous consequences" for the economy . "The movement of 'yellow vests' can not continue in this way of threat and blockade. It would be suicidal for our businesses that the next weekend perpetuates incivilities and impediments, "warned François Pélissier, Speaker of the House since 2011, in a statement. "Claiming transformations in our society and challenging the state is one thing, but (…) we can not accept irresponsible operations blocking supplies and access to our areas of activity and business," said François Pélissier , evoking a "sabotage in rule" of the economic fabric.

»READ ALSO -« Yellow vests »: faced with blockages, some businesses will remain closed

According to the CCI, the turnover of large and small businesses in the department has declined from "60 to 80% for some" since November 17.