Commerce & Services Belgium

Belgium has a multitude of supermarkets and hypermarkets that cover both national and international chains:

Colruyt: The largest supermarket chain in Belgium, known for its low prices and extensive network of stores; operates over 240 stores across the country and is part of a larger group, including brands like OKay (discount stores) and Bio-Planet (eco-friendly products).

Delhaize: One of the oldest and largest supermarket chains; includes several store formats such as AD Delhaize, Proxy Delhaize, and Shop&Go, and manages over 700 stores in Belgium; also owns the Albert Heijn chain, popular in the northern part of the country.

Carrefour: The French chain is represented in Belgium by Carrefour Market supermarkets and Carrefour hypermarkets; operates more than 700 stores, offering a wide range of products from groceries to household appliances.

Aldi and Lidl: These two German discount chains are also widely present in Belgium. Aldi operates around 450 stores, and Lidl has more than 300. Both brands are known for their affordable prices and basic product range.

Intermarché: A French chain actively expanding in Belgium, particularly in the southern part of the country.

SPAR: The network includes more than 400 stores, offering a wide range of food and everyday products.

Louis Delhaize and Match/Smatch: Includes Match and Smatch stores, focusing on affordable prices and local products.

These chains cover practically all settlements in Belgium, offering various store formats — from large hypermarkets to small local supermarkets and discount stores, meeting the needs of different categories of buyers.

There are several major online stores in Belgium that are popular among both locals and immigrants:

Bol.com: https://www.bol.com/be  - the largest online retailer in Belgium, offering a wide range of products, including books, electronics, home appliances, toys, and more.

Coolblue: https://www.coolblue.be - a major player in the e-commerce market specializing in electronics, household appliances, and home goods; has numerous physical stores for picking up orders.

Amazon Belgium: https://www.amazon.com.be - although Amazon officially launched its platform in Belgium only in 2022, it quickly captured a significant market share thanks to a wide assortment of products and fast delivery. In addition to amazon.com.be, many Belgians also shop through the French Amazon (amazon.fr).

Zalando: https://www.zalando.be - the leading online store for fashion clothing and footwear; offers a huge selection of brands and free delivery and returns.

Ikea: https://www.ikea.com/be - the Swedish company is known for its affordable and stylish home products; provides the possibility of online ordering with home delivery or pickup at the nearest store.

MediaMarkt: https://www.mediamarkt.be - a large chain specializing in electronics and household appliances.

2dehands.be: https://www.2dehands.be - a popular platform for buying and selling used goods; particularly in demand among those seeking good deals on various products, from cars to furniture.

Bpost – the largest postal operator in the market; offers a wide range of services, including mail delivery, parcels, financial services, and management of post offices across the country.

Network of branches and pickup points: Bpost manages an extensive network of post offices and parcel pickup points. Bpost is actively developing a network of automated parcel lockers, allowing convenient receiving and sending of parcels at any time of the day.

Parcel delivery services: Bpost offers both standard parcel delivery and the possibility of collecting parcels directly from the customer's home.

Financial and additional services: Post offices also provide various financial services, such as banking operations, insurance, and money transfers.

There are also many other courier services in Belgium, both international and local:

DHL: One of the largest international logistics companies, offering a wide range of services for the delivery of documents and parcels worldwide.

UPS: A global courier company providing express delivery services and logistics solutions in more than 220 countries.

FedEx: An international company specializing in express delivery, logistics, and supply chain management.

DPD: A European courier service providing parcel delivery services across Europe and beyond.

GLS: A European company specializing in reliable and timely delivery of parcels and freight.

TNT: An international courier company, part of FedEx, offering fast delivery services for documents and freight.

PostNL: A Dutch postal and courier company actively operating in Belgium, especially in the field of e-commerce parcel delivery.

Bring: A Scandinavian logistics company offering parcel and freight delivery services in Belgium and other European countries.

In Belgium, telecommunication services, including television, internet, and telephone, are provided by several major operators that offer various service packages to meet customer needs:

Proximus:

   - One of the largest telecommunications operators in Belgium, providing mobile, internet, and TV services. Proximus offers packages including up to 80 channels, access to VOD (video on demand), and the ability to watch TV programs on multiple devices via the Pickx app. They also offer a wide range of mobile tariffs, including both prepaid SIM cards and contracts.

Telenet: The main provider in Flanders and the Dutch-speaking part of Brussels. Telenet offers high-speed internet, television, and telephone services, as well as packages with mobile communication. The company is also known for its interactive TV service, which allows users to record, pause, and watch programs on demand.

Orange Belgium: Orange provides mobile, internet, and TV services throughout Belgium. Their packages often include discounts for bundled services, such as mobile and internet. Orange offers affordable tariffs for expatriates and flexible terms for users who need more than one connection.

VOO: The main operator in Wallonia and the French-speaking part of Brussels. VOO offers packages including internet, television, and telephone services. The company is known for its stable internet connections and a wide selection of TV channels.

Scarlet: A budget brand owned by Proximus, offering affordable internet, TV, and mobile packages. Scarlet targets users who prioritize simplicity and low prices, offering basic services with the ability to expand packages as needed.

Service features:

- Service packages: Most operators offer bundled packages that include internet, TV, and phone, which can be more cost-effective than purchasing these services separately. Some operators also include discounts on mobile tariffs as part of such packages.

- Internet: Both cable and fiber-optic internet are widely available in Belgium, with the latter actively developing, although not available in all regions. Internet speed depends on the chosen package and region of residence.

- Television: TV packages usually include both local and international channels. Users can additionally subscribe to premium packages, including sports, movie channels, and on-demand video services.

- Mobile communication: Mobile operators offer both contracts and prepaid SIM cards with various terms, allowing users to choose the optimal tariff based on their needs.

In Belgium, there are several popular food and goods delivery services that cover a wide range of needs, from ready-to-eat meals to groceries and everyday essentials:

Takeaway.com is one of the largest food ordering platforms in Belgium; it covers most major cities, such as Brussels, Antwerp, and Leuven; offers a wide selection of restaurants providing diverse cuisines, including Belgian, Italian, Asian, and many others.

Uber Eats provides delivery services for both ready meals from restaurants and groceries; in partnership with Carrefour, Uber Eats offers grocery delivery in Brussels and Liège.

Deliveroo offers not only restaurant food delivery but also grocery delivery from supermarkets.

HelloFresh and Marley Spoon: These services offer meal kit deliveries. They deliver ingredients and recipes to your home, allowing you to cook meals without spending time shopping.

Carrefour and Colruyt: offer their own grocery delivery services. Carrefour, in particular, is expanding its delivery services through a partnership with Uber Eats, while Colruyt offers online orders and delivery through its website. These supermarket chains also offer the delivery of everyday goods, which is convenient for those who prefer to shop online.

In Belgium, store and service opening hours may vary depending on the type of establishment and region. However, in general, several common trends can be identified:

Regular stores:

   - Most stores in Belgium open from 10:00 to 18:00, Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, most stores are closed, except for some shopping centers and stores in tourist areas, such as the center of Brussels, where stores may open on Sundays.

Supermarkets:

   - Supermarkets, such as Colruyt, Delhaize, Carrefour, and Lidl, are usually open from 8:30 to 18:00 or 19:00, Monday to Saturday. Sunday is also often a day off for supermarkets, although some stores, such as Carrefour Express or Shop’n’Go, may operate on Sundays with reduced hours.

Pharmacies and night shops:

   - Pharmacies usually operate from 10:00 to 19:00, Monday to Friday, and from 10:00 to 12:00 on Saturday. Sunday is a day off, but there are duty pharmacies that operate 24/7.

   - Night shops, which sell groceries, alcohol, and cigarettes, are usually open in the evening and may operate late into the night.

Holidays:

   - On holidays, most stores and services are closed. However, depending on the holiday, some large supermarkets and stores in tourist areas may operate with reduced hours.

Belgium has many local and international brands that are actively operating in the country and are popular among the population. Among local brands, large companies like AB InBev (known for its beer brands such as Stella Artois and Jupiler), KBC (one of the leading banks), and Telenet (a telecommunications company offering internet, television, and mobile services) can be highlighted.

Among international brands, H&M, Zara, IKEA, McDonald's, and Apple are actively represented, with their stores and offices across the country. Belgium is also home to many international corporations, including offices of Google and Microsoft.

These brands cover a wide range of industries, from retail to finance and technology, providing a variety of goods and services for locals and immigrants.

In Belgium, shopping culture and everyday etiquette are closely linked to local traditions and social culture. Knowing these features will help you feel comfortable and confident in the country:

Punctuality and politeness: Punctuality is highly valued in Belgium. This applies to both business meetings and social events, including shopping. If you have a scheduled appointment or shopping visit, it is better to be on time to avoid being seen as impolite.

Personal space: Belgians attach great importance to personal space. During shopping or communication, try to maintain a distance of an arm's length and avoid excessive close contact.

Clothing and appearance: Belgians usually dress conservatively and neatly, especially in business settings. Casual clothing is suitable for everyday shopping, but it should be clean and tidy.

Tone and manner of communication: Belgians prefer restrained and respectful communication. During shopping, avoid loud conversations and conflicts. If you need to get the attention of a seller, do it subtly, such as with a light hand gesture, but do not snap your fingers.

Tips: In most cases, tipping in Belgium is not obligatory as the service charge is already included in the bill. However, if you are particularly pleased with the service, you can round up the amount or leave a small tip—about 5-10% of the bill.

Store Etiquette: While shopping, it is customary to greet sales assistants and cashiers, especially in smaller stores. It's also advised not to touch products unless allowed and to observe the queue at the checkout.

In Belgium, there are two main sales seasons, strictly regulated by law, which are important periods for both shoppers and retailers.

Winter Sales

The winter sales begin at the start of January and continue throughout the month. In 2024, they run from January 3 to 31. This period is particularly popular among shoppers as many stores offer significant discounts, often starting at 30% and reaching up to 50% by the end of the sales. Winter sales are a great opportunity to purchase winter clothing and accessories at reduced prices.

Summer Sales

The summer sales take place from July 1 to 31. During this time, shops aim to make room for their autumn-winter collection by offering significant discounts on spring-summer items. Summer sales also attract a large number of shoppers, especially in the first and last weeks when the best deals can be found.

Mid-season Sales

In addition to the main sales seasons, Belgium sometimes hosts mid-season sales, but these are less formalized and depend on specific stores. These sales can occur in spring and autumn, offering additional opportunities for bargain shopping.

In Belgium, the household waste disposal and recycling system is organized at a high level and regulated on a regional basis, meaning each of the three regions — Flanders, Wallonia, and the Brussels-Capital Region — has its own rules and procedures.

Waste Separation: Household waste in Belgium is strictly sorted into several categories:

   - PMD: Plastics, metals, and cardboard packaging. These are collected in special blue bags and picked up every two weeks.

   - Glass: Glass waste is typically deposited in special containers found throughout the city.

   - Paper and Cardboard: These are collected separately and can be disposed of via separate collections or at container parks.

   - Organic Waste (GFT): In some regions, organic waste is collected separately and can be composted.

   - Small Hazardous Waste: This includes batteries, lamps, and old electronic devices, which require special disposal through programs like Bebat and Recupel.

Regional Differences: Since the system is regulated on a regional level, rules may vary slightly depending on the region. For example, Brussels has a strict waste sorting control system, while Flanders and Wallonia may have their own specifics, such as waste collection frequency and types of accepted materials.

Recycling and Reuse Centers: There are special centers for recycling and reusing waste. Large items such as furniture, electronics, building materials, and textiles can be brought there. These centers help reduce the amount of waste and increase the recycling rate of materials.

In Belgium, there are fines for violations of waste sorting rules. Depending on the region and the severity of the violation, fines can vary. Here are the key points:

Flanders: In this region, fines for improper waste sorting can reach up to 250 euros. If violations are repeated, the fine amount can increase. The Flemish authorities also conduct regular checks to ensure proper waste sorting.

Brussels: In Brussels, fines for improper sorting are also quite high and can reach up to 200 euros. The Brussels-Capital Region strictly controls compliance with sorting rules, and violations can lead to serious consequences.

Wallonia: In this region, fines vary but can also be significant, usually around 150-200 euros. It is important to note that Wallonia also conducts educational campaigns aimed at raising awareness about proper sorting.

Fines can be imposed for mixing different types of waste in one container, disposing of waste in unauthorized places, or failing to dispose of it in a timely manner. In some cases, if waste is incorrectly sorted, it may not be collected, leading to additional costs for proper disposal.