Which shops can stay open during lockdown in France?
From today non-essential shops will close during confinement. We explain which ones can stay open
Lockdown in France begins today (October 30) meaning all non-essential shops will be closed until further notice.
President Macron said in his speech announcing the new confinement: “Shops that were defined as non-essential in spring, and establishments that receive the public, such as bars and restaurants, will be closed.”
Prime Minister Jean Castex has since specified that, even though such shops and restaurants must stop welcoming customers in person, they can maintain delivery services and fulfill orders placed online.
Hope that shops may reopen in 15 days
The President also explained that confinement measures would be reviewed every 15 days based on the health situation, meaning “we will evaluate whether we can loosen certain restrictions, on shops in particular”.
This has led some to hope that some shops may reopen before the four-week confinement is over.
Director general of commerce group la Féderation du commerce et de la distribution, Jacques Creyssel, told news source FranceInfo: “Our objective is to make sure that in 15 days a maximum of shops can reopen.”
He added this was especially important in the run-up to Christmas, saying: “It is imperative that shops can reopen at a time where they make much of their turnover for the year when this year has already been extremely difficult.
“Otherwise commerce in France will be massacred.”
Which shops can stay open in France during confinement?
The following shops can stay open, as defined by laws from March 23, this year.
Vehicles
- Garages for repairing cars, engines and agricultural vehicles
- Car parts shops
- Shops for repair and sale of bicycles and motorbikes
- Suppliers for agricultural operations
- Petrol stations
Food
- Supermarkets
- Food shops that also sell other products
- Hypermarkets
- Greengrocers
- Butchers
- Fishmongers
- Bakeries
- Specialist drinks shops
- Frozen food shops
- Other specialist food shops
- Corner shops
- Convenience stores
- Food distribution centres run by charities
- Food stalls in markets (unless banned by the prefecture)
Technology
- Specialist shops selling IT and communications equipment
- Specialist shops selling computers, peripheral equipment and software
- Specialist shops selling telecommunications materials
- Computer repair shops
- Telecommunications repair shops
- Technological repair shops
Raw materials
- Specialist shops selling construction and hardware materials, paint and glass
- Specialist textile shops
Medical
- Pharmacies
- Specialist medical and orthopaedic shops
- Opticians
Other goods
- Newsagents
- Shops selling pet foods and accessories
- Tobacconists and e-cigarette shops
- Vending machines outside shops and markets
Accommodation
- Hotels and similar accommodation not including holiday villages, family homes, and hostels
Equipment rental
- Car rental services
- Rental services for other machines, equipment and goods
- Rental services for agricultural machines and equipment
- Rental services for machines and equipment for construction
Work
- Manual labour agencies
- Temporary work agencies
Other services
- Funeral services
- Finance and insurance services
- Laundry and dry cleaning
- Suppliers providing goods and services necessary for shops listed here
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