In a significant move to enhance the competitiveness of brick-and-mortar stores, Belgium has announced a substantial relaxation of closing-time regulations for retail establishments. This decision comes as part of a broader effort to help local businesses contend with the growing threat posed by online shopping.
New regulations boost retail flexibility
On Friday, the federal government revealed that it has officially abolished the previous mandate requiring stores to close for a 24-hour period each week. Additionally, the new regulations will permit shops to remain open until 9 p.m. daily, up from the former closing time of 8 p.m. on most days. These adjustments were initially proposed last summer as a means to equip physical retailers with the flexibility needed to compete against online vendors.
“The current law is no longer adapted to the expectations of consumers and retailers, nor to the development of e-commerce, which is much more flexible than physical stores, causing distortions of competition,”
stated Eléonore Simonet, Belgium’s minister for small businesses, the self-employed, and SMEs, in a statement made in July 2025. She further noted that “more flexibility should ensure that retailers can adapt to current expectations.”
Concerns from employees and small retailers
While the new regulations have been largely welcomed by larger retailers eager for extended hours, they have not been without controversy. Employees have expressed significant concerns regarding the changes. Just this week, workers at Aldi, one of Belgium’s largest supermarket chains, staged a strike following news that the company was considering the option of opening branches on Sundays.
Smaller businesses and self-employed retailers have voiced apprehension that the revised rules may unduly burden them, as larger corporations will likely find it easier to adjust to the new operating hours. The Neutral Union for the Self-Employed (NSZ) has pointed out that while the reforms aim to foster competition, they could inadvertently lead to inflated operating costs without a corresponding increase in income.
The legislation underwent a formal consultation process before its recent approval by the Council of Ministers. Now, it awaits ratification by the Belgian parliament and is anticipated to take effect later this summer, marking a pivotal shift in the retail landscape.