Belgium Allows Seven Day Store Opening

The proposed changes aim to update the current law from November 2006 to better align with evolving consumer expectations and the modern retail landscape, ESM reports.

Other key amendments in the draft bill include: clarifying that the law generally does not apply to services; establishing rules for businesses with mixed activities; refining the definition of businesses exempt from closing hours, specifically newsagents; and improving enforcement by specifying municipal regulatory powers.

The government argued that this change, removing the weekly closing requirement and harmonising opening hours, will allow brick-and-mortar stores to better adapt to consumer expectations and compete with the flexibility of online commerce.

Retail federation Comeos supports the changes, which, it claims, will provide the sector with greater flexibility and support. It highlights tax reductions and modernised labour regulations as key factors in helping retailers adapt to evolving consumer behaviour.

However, smaller independent businesses and unions have expressed concern, contending that the move lacks economic justification and will negatively impact workers’ work-life balance and the viability of small businesses.

The Neutral Union of the Self-Employed (SNI) believes this will primarily benefit large chains, forcing small businesses to follow suit despite potential staffing challenges and increased workload for owners and their families.

The SNI also doubts the measure will generate additional revenue. The reform also includes stricter criteria for newsagents and bookstores to qualify for exemptions from closing hours, focusing on the number of displayed publications and dedicated retail space.

The new measure, which still requires review by the Central Economic Council, would take effect three months after publication in the Belgian Official Journal if approved.

Exceptions

While Sunday work is generally illegal according to the existing law in Belgium, an increasing number of stores are opening their doors on that day due to numerous exceptions.

One of the key ones is that it is permissible to work on a Sunday if an employee willingly agrees to it.

Many Delhaize and Carrefour stores are already open on Sundays in Belgium, as do some Colruyt Group brands, including OKay City, OKay Direct, Cru, and some Comarché stores, in addition to most SPAR locations within the group.

Additionally, Colruyt Group has announced that its convenience store chain OKay will begin opening its 146 stores on Sunday mornings from 08:00 to 12:30 starting in early 2026.

This decision follows a February announcement and constructive discussions with social partners, resulting in an agreement that addresses employee needs and customer demand for flexibility.

OKay stores will focus on offering fresh products, bread, and pastries baked on-site, catering to customer needs for same-day or Monday morning consumption.