In a shocking announcement that reverberated through the retail sector, Cora's management declared on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, its intention to close its seven hypermarkets across Belgium by early 2026. This decision threatens the jobs of approximately 1,800 employees, leaving many workers in disbelief and despair.
The closures will affect locations in Hornu, La Louvière, Châtelineau, Rocourt, Messancy, Anderlecht, and Woluwe-Saint-Lambert. Elisabeth Lovecchio, the CNE's permanent secretary for Hainaut, confirmed that nearly 200 workers in Hornu were particularly impacted, with the store remaining closed following the announcement. "This is a major shock for our employees who have dedicated years of their lives to this company," she stated.
In the wake of the announcement, unions expressed their outrage, labeling the situation a "real catastrophe." Danny Dubois, a CNE representative, emphasized that the workers had anticipated difficulties but were unprepared for such a drastic outcome. "They expected a potential acquisition or restructuring, not a total shutdown," he lamented. The CNE believes that the closure is a direct result of failed management strategies over the years.
Cora's management cited several factors contributing to the decision, including the erosion of purchasing power, the rise of online shopping, and intense competition from foreign retailers. They also pointed to the segmentation of the retail sector into various joint committees as a source of unfair competition that has harmed large stores like Cora. "Despite numerous recovery efforts, including a €30 million capital injection at the end of 2023, our losses have continued to mount," the company stated.
As the news sank in, workers gathered for emergency meetings across the hypermarkets, grappling with the reality of their uncertain futures. "It’s a devastating blow for those who have spent decades working here, many of whom are now facing the prospect of unemployment at a time when job opportunities are scarce," Dubois remarked.
The closure announcement has triggered a formal process of information and consultation regarding potential collective layoffs, as mandated by the Renault law. Negotiations will soon begin to outline the terms of a social plan aimed at helping workers transition to new employment. Lovecchio highlighted the importance of securing dignified exit conditions for the employees, many of whom have dedicated over 20 years to the company.
"We are demanding a social plan that includes full severance pay, and possibly additional compensation for long-serving employees," she said. "The company has the financial means to support its workers during this transition, given its recent sales in real estate and other assets. They cannot hide behind excuses to deny us a fair plan."
The political response to the closures has been swift. Federal Minister of Economy and Employment David Clarinval expressed his support for the affected workers, stating that he would meet with both Cora's management and union representatives to discuss potential measures for reemployment and support. "This unilateral decision represents a social tragedy for all involved," he remarked.
Furthermore, Bernard Clerfayt, the Brussels Minister of Employment, announced that Actiris, the regional employment office, is prepared to assist the displaced workers in finding new employment. "This is a genuine shock, and we are ready to provide personalized support and concrete solutions for those affected," he stated.
In La Louvière, Mayor Jacques Gobert expressed solidarity with the workers, emphasizing the personal toll the closures would take on families and communities. "These are people we know, who have given their best for years. We must ensure that everything is done to protect jobs at Cora La Louvière and find solutions for the employees," he said.
As the community grapples with the impending closures, the future of the Cora hypermarkets remains uncertain. The management has indicated that they will continue to operate until the end of the consultation process, with the stores remaining open for now.
The unions are calling for a comprehensive social plan that ensures the rights and needs of the workers are respected. The Setca union has expressed disappointment over the lack of interest from potential buyers, contrasting the situation at other stores within the Louis Delhaize group, which have found new ownership. "We have been fighting against the odds for too long, and the absence of a viable plan for Cora is deeply troubling," a union representative stated.
As the situation develops, many are left questioning the future of hypermarkets in Belgium and the broader implications for the retail industry. The question on everyone's mind is, do supermarkets still have a viable future in Belgium? With changing consumer habits and increasing competition, the landscape of retail continues to evolve rapidly.
The Cora closures serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing traditional brick-and-mortar retailers in a digital age. As the company prepares to wind down its operations, the focus now shifts to ensuring that the affected workers receive the support they need to navigate this difficult transition.
