Marionnaud Stores Close Amid Employee Strike Over Job Security Concerns

On September 6, 2026, numerous Marionnaud stores across France were closed as employees launched a strike protesting the lack of job security and social benefits guarantees in light of the company's planned acquisition. The strike was called by an inter-union group comprising CGT, UNSA, CFDT, and CFE-CGC, representing approximately 2,400 Marionnaud workers in France, 98% of whom are women.

CK Hutchison, a Hong Kong conglomerate currently owning Marionnaud, is negotiating to sell the French cosmetics retailer to David Konckier, owner of the Bogart cosmetics group. However, union representatives voiced significant concerns that the proposed deal does not offer sufficient safeguards for employees' jobs or social benefits. Myriam Dequéant from UNSA reported substantial closures, noting that 14 out of 20 Marionnaud stores in Lyon were shuttered, alongside several others in Toulouse, Paris, Marseille, Limoges, Fécamp, Nancy, and Auxerre.

The unions are demanding written guarantees on maintaining employment levels, the future of stores, and preserving social benefits. They also highlighted that compensation related to store closures under the potential new ownership appeared minimal. Additionally, sales incentives which previously rewarded employees have reportedly been suspended since June, contributing to tensions.

Marionnaud operates 372 stores in France and had revenues of approximately 536 million euros in 2024, employing mainly women. An extraordinary employee consultation meeting is scheduled to discuss the company’s future, but the atmosphere remains cautious amid uncertainty about the acquisition's impact on workers.

This strike action underscores the growing discontent among Marionnaud employees as they seek assurance over their livelihoods during this ownership transition.