So after my recent experience at the convenience store I read with interest that a Chinese couple from Zhejiang province was arrested in Paris after trying to pay for goods with a suspected counterfeit bill at the famous Galeries Lafayette in Paris.
The couple were taken to a police station, strip searched and bizarrely, the woman’s underpants were cut into small pieces! The bill was eventually declared to be genuine, but when the couple returned to the store, the cashier again refused to accept the bill (presumably because it had a corner missing or something!).
The management of the store has since made a very genuine and public apology to the couple, offering to pay for the couple to return to Paris at a later date (and some new underwear I hope!). In light of this gesture, I don’t think the store should be further criticised even though some Chinese groups such as the Chinese Tourism Authority are calling for a boycott of the famous Parisian retailer. They have obviously realised that Chinese tourists represent a huge revenue potential for them and are desperate to avoid provoking further reaction.
Deeper criticism though is aimed at the French police who seem to have been somewhat over zealous in their handling of the couple.
I was quite amused to find the story was also reported on the website fuckfrance.com!
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