Belgium is a country located in Western Europe, known for its delicious chocolates and beer, as well as its historic landmarks and beautiful architecture. The country also has a thriving retail industry, with a variety of shops, malls, and supermarkets. In this article, we will explore the retail and consumer issues in Belgium, including typical opening hours, forms of payment, major supermarkets, online shopping, expat-specific shops, and consumer rights.
Typical Opening Hours and Forms of Payment
Most shops in Belgium are open from 9 am to 6 pm from Monday to Saturday. However, in tourist areas and shopping malls, some shops may have longer opening hours. On Sundays, most shops are closed, although there are a few exceptions, such as shops in train stations and tourist areas.
As for forms of payment, cash is widely accepted in Belgium, but credit cards are also commonly used. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards in the country, although some shops may also accept American Express and Discover. It is always best to check before making a purchase.
Major Supermarkets in Belgium
There are several major supermarket chains in Belgium, including Delhaize, Carrefour, Colruyt, and Aldi. Delhaize is the largest supermarket chain in the country, with several locations throughout Belgium. The supermarket offers a wide range of products, including fresh produce, meats, bakery items, and household essentials. Prices at Delhaize are generally considered to be higher than at other supermarkets, but the quality of the products is excellent.
Carrefour is another popular supermarket chain in Belgium that offers a wide range of products, including fresh produce, meats, bakery items, and household essentials. Prices at Carrefour are generally considered to be competitive, and the supermarket often has promotions and discounts on various products.
Colruyt is a smaller supermarket chain in Belgium, with several locations throughout the country. The supermarket offers a limited range of products, but prices are generally lower than at Delhaize and Carrefour.
Aldi is a discount supermarket chain that offers a limited range of products, but prices are generally lower than at other supermarkets. The supermarket often has promotions and discounts on various products, and the quality of the products is good.
Online Shopping in Belgium
Online shopping is becoming increasingly popular in Belgium, with several websites offering a range of products. Some of the most popular online shopping websites in Belgium include bol.com, Amazon.com, and Zalando.
bol.com is a popular online retailer in Belgium that offers a wide range of products, including books, electronics, clothing, and household essentials. The website also offers free shipping on orders over a certain amount.
Amazon.com is another popular online retailer that offers a wide range of products, including books, electronics, clothing, and household essentials. The website also offers shipping to most parts of Belgium, and Amazon Prime members can benefit from free and fast shipping.
Zalando is a popular online retailer in Belgium that offers a wide range of clothing and footwear products. The website offers free shipping on orders over a certain amount, and returns are also free.
Expat-Specific Shops in Belgium
There are several shops in Belgium that cater specifically to expats, including the British Shop and the American Food Store. The British Shop is located in Brussels and offers a range of British products, including food, clothing, and household items.
The American Food Store is located in Antwerp and offers a range of American products, including food, clothing, and household items.
In addition to these expat-specific shops, many of the major supermarkets in Belgium also carry international products. Delhaize, for example, has a section dedicated to international products, including British, Italian, and Asian foods.