Shopping and retail options in Belgium: Variety of local boutiques and international brands. Brussels has luxury shopping avenues. Supermarkets like Carrefour and Delhaize. Weekly open-air markets for fresh produce. Specialized Belgian chocolate shops. Bargain hunting at outlet malls. Eco-friendly and sustainable shops. VAT refund for non-EU tourists. Online shopping widely embraced. Sunday shopping restrictions generally apply.
Variety of local boutiques and international brands
Belgium offers a diverse shopping experience with local boutiques like Vier, Magdalena, and Stijl, which feature high-end and streetwear brands. Additionally, Belgium boasts large shopping centers such as Woluwe Shopping Centre and Wijnegem Shopping Centre that house over 130 and 250 stores respectively, including international brands like H&M, Zara, and United Colors of Benetton. For more information on shopping options, you can explore this detailed Shopping In Belgium guide.
Brussels has luxury shopping avenues
Brussels boasts several luxury shopping avenues, including Boulevard de Waterloo and Avenue Louise, which are lined with high-end fashion stores from brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Versace, as well as Belgian designers and boutique shops. For more information about these exquisite shopping destinations, visit the Brussels Shopping Streets website, where you can explore all the stylish offerings this vibrant city has to offer.
Supermarkets like Carrefour and Delhaize
In Belgium, major supermarket chains include Carrefour, with over 400 Carrefour Market stores and several hypermarkets, and Delhaize, the largest Belgian chain with around 350 supermarkets and a few hypermarkets. Both chains offer a wide range of products and services, including home delivery options, and are widely distributed across the country. For more detailed information on these supermarkets, visit the supermarket and grocery shopping guide on Expatica.
Weekly open-air markets for fresh produce
In Belgium, particularly in the Voer region, various weekly open-air markets offer fresh products, regional specialties, and other goods. These markets operate on different days of the week, providing a range of fresh produce, fabrics, and second-hand items in a relaxed atmosphere. Discover more about these charming markets on the Voerstreek Website, where you can find additional information to enhance your visit to this beautiful area.
Specialized Belgian chocolate shops
In Belgium, specialized chocolate shops like Godiva, Mary, Neuhaus, Galler, and Leonidas offer a wide range of high-quality chocolates, including pralines and truffles, with many shops located in key areas such as the Grand Place in Brussels and Katelijnestraat in Bruges. These shops are known for their creative varieties, elegant packaging, and traditional Belgian Chocolate-Making techniques.
Bargain hunting at outlet malls
In Belgium, bargain hunters can explore outlets like Maasmechelen Village and Designer Outlet Roermond, where discounts of 30% to 70% are available on luxury and international brands such as Versace, Calvin Klein, and Nike. Maasmechelen Village is conveniently located near the Belgium-Netherlands-Germany border, while the Designer Outlet Roermond is situated in the Netherlands, just a short drive away, providing an excellent opportunity for an exciting shopping experience.
Eco-friendly and sustainable shops
In Brussels, several eco-friendly and sustainable shops are available, including Super Green Me, Orbany, Farm, and Yuman, which offer a wide range of products such as clothing, cosmetics, hygiene products, and food, all focused on sustainable and zero-waste practices. These shops also provide additional services like workshops and rental services to support a sustainable lifestyle. For more details on these eco-shops, visit the Living In Brussels website.
VAT refund for non-EU tourists
Non-EU tourists can claim a VAT refund in Belgium by following specific steps: they must purchase from participating stores, obtain an invoice and Tax-Free Form, have the form stamped by customs before leaving the EU, and claim the refund through an agent or directly. The refunds typically range between 11.75% and 14% of the item's total price. For more detailed information on the process, tourists can refer to this guide on the VAT Refund in Belgium resource.
Online shopping widely embraced
In Belgium, online shopping is widely embraced, with approximately 75% of consumers shopping online in 2022, and this number increasing to nearly 90% of Belgians aged 18-70 shopping online at least once in 2023. Online spending in Belgium reached 16.3 billion euros in 2023, an 11% increase from 2022, indicating significant growth in the Ecommerce Market.
Sunday shopping restrictions generally apply
In Belgium, Sunday shopping restrictions permit shops to open on up to nine Sundays annually, with six Sundays designated by the federal government and three determined by local municipalities. Certain types of shops, such as bakeries, butchers, and those situated in tourist areas, are exempt from these restrictions and can operate on Sundays. However, under general regulations, shops are not allowed to employ personnel on Sundays without specific wage compensation agreements. To explore more about these adjustments, you can visit the detailed insights provided by Eurofound.