Chaos at French Lidl stores over air conditioner sales

On Thursday, July 2, 2026, Lidl launched a promotion for 200,000 air conditioning units and fans in France ahead of an expected weekend heatwave. In a northern suburb of Paris, approximately 200 people gathered outside a store as early as 7:00 a.m., while some customers reportedly arrived as early as 4:00 a.m. The event resulted in chaotic scenes, including physical altercations in queues and blocked traffic in Sevran. Store staff reported that only two units were available at the location, leading to frustration and accusations of false advertising from customers. One store manager threatened not to open the premises due to the disorderly conduct of the crowd. Despite requests for comment from Agence France-Presse, the company did not provide a response. Witnesses described feeling mistreated as the supply failed to meet the significant consumer demand.