Urban violence impacts multiple cities

Shattered display cases, looted stores, and devastated premises marked the urban violence that affected several cities over the weekend, with many businesses suffering significant damage. The violence disrupted daily life and left a trail of destruction across various sectors, including retail and healthcare.

Pharmacy in Marseille suffers extensive damage

Pharmacies were among those impacted, as seen at La Grande Pharmacie de Marseille (Bouches-du-Rhône) in the Centre Bourse shopping mall. François Rochet, president of the Evecial group, which hosts the Boticinal association to which the pharmacy belongs, visited the site to assess the damage and support the pharmacy staff.

Pharmacy forced to close abruptly

Tristan Chapuy, the husband of Coralie Poulton, the pharmacy owner, stated that the pharmacy had to close urgently at 1:30 p.m. due to the dangerous situation, and the Centre Bourse closed at the same time. The couple could not return until the next day as the situation did not allow it.

Pharmacy found completely destroyed

Upon returning, they found the pharmacy completely destroyed, with computer equipment stolen, furniture broken, the robot and refrigerators damaged, and the floor littered with damaged products. A safe containing hypnotic drugs was also stolen. The level of destruction highlighted the severity of the incident and the vulnerability of such businesses during periods of unrest.

Evecial group expresses shock and support

François Rochet described the pharmacy as "completely ransacked" and expressed confusion over the destruction, emphasizing that "a pharmacy is a business, but also a public health mission, accessible to all. Pharmacists are there for everyone." He noted that the staff were "shocked but determined" and that the Evecial group was supporting them in organizing their recovery.

Recovery efforts underway

The priority now is to get the pharmacy back in working condition. The association has established a redeployment plan and mobilized its teams to assist the owners, including human resources, IT, legal, financial, and purchasing departments to manage temporary unemployment, coordinate service providers, handle insurance claims, and negotiate with banks and suppliers.

Uncertain timeline for reopening

François Rochet stated that the group is not replacing the owners but is by their side, hoping for a resumption of operations within two to three weeks, possibly under slightly degraded conditions. However, this schedule depends on the mobilization of service providers and the extent of repairs needed. At the time of the interview, the pharmacy was still without electricity.

Concerns about future violence

Tristan Chapuy mentioned concerns about new violence, noting that the scientific police had informed them that there was a 99% chance of similar events occurring again on November 5th, when five trade unions have called for a new national day of mobilization. Despite this risk, the desire to reopen the pharmacy remains strong.