WATCH: Lidl France’s July 2 discount sale on fans and portable AC units sparked chaotic scenes in several stores, especially around Paris, as France faced extreme heat.
In one Paris 14th arrondissement store, people began queuing around midnight.
By opening time, the crowd had reached 300–400 people, and stock sold out in 30–60 minutes.
Police and firefighters were called after pushing, falls and panic inside the store.
One customer used pepper spray, affecting eight people, including a 12-year-old.
Similar incidents were reported in Nanterre, Aubervilliers, Paris 19e, Levallois-Perret, Sevran, L’Haÿ-les-Roses and Valenton, with videos showing forced doors, scuffles, crowd crushes and temporary closures.