A dramatic turn of events in Paris on Friday, January 3, 2025! The Fnac store on the Champs-Élysées, in the middle of a pre-closing clearance sale, had to draw the curtain just a few minutes after opening, overwhelmed by an"unexpected influx of 3,000 customers", observed France Bleu Paris on the spot.
According to their information, bargain-hunters had been massing in front of 74 avenue des Champs-Élysées since dawn. An impressive double queue, stretching all the way to rue de la Boétie, invaded the famous avenue. The retailer promised "exclusive offers" to clear out its stock before the definitive closure scheduled for after January 12.
According to France Bleu Paris, the enthusiasm quickly turned to congestion. Security was overwhelmed by crowds and attempts to force their way in, necessitating the intervention of municipal police to manage traffic and maintain order. At midday, the store gates were still down. At around 1.30pm, management confirmed that the store would be closed for the day, much to the dismay of the customers massed outside.
Images of the packed crowd quickly made the rounds on social networks, illustrating the scale of the event. Fnac des Champs is expected to reopen on Monday morning, subject to further security instructions.
The braderie, launched to mark the end of an era on the world's most beautiful avenue, has clearly taken an unexpected turn. Bargain-hunters will have to be patient... and careful!
