New Year's Day 2025 saw most businesses across Belgium and France closed, according to various reports detailing operational statuses across cities. While the majority of supermarkets and large retail chains observed the holiday by shutting their doors, some smaller shops and specialized stores opened to cater to those needing essentials.
Across France, particularly notable was the situation in Caen, where nearly all supermarkets were closed except for select convenience stores. The local Coccinelle Express retailers were open, providing options for those who needed to restock their fridges or found themselves in need of last-minute items. Among them, the Coccinelle stores on rue de Falaise and rue Saint Jean were reported open from 9 AM to 10 PM, allowing residents some shopping flexibility. Another location, the 8 à Huit in Douvres-la-Délivrande, catered to consumers with limited hours from 10 AM to 1 PM.
Meanwhile, Rouen residents faced similar restrictions with most shops closed. Nonetheless, some establishments did open, such as the Carrefour at the top of rue Jeanne d’Arc, which provided limited morning hours from 9 AM to 1 PM. The Relay shop near the station also proved helpful for voices needing last-minute items or quick snacks, boasting operating hours from 8 AM to 8 PM. Fast food chains and local kebab shops remained open for those seeking casual dining options, ensuring some degree of service availability for hungry patrons.
Moving to Toulouse, the trend continued with few businesses choosing to remain operational on the holiday. While large retailers and shopping centers stayed locked, several local supermarkets offered their services to those needing essentials. It was noted, though, to check operation hours beforehand as not all small shops can guarantee the same timeframes as larger chains.
For public services, the picture was predominantly unforgiving. Most municipal functions ceased operations for the day, with the exception of emergency services like the civil state office, which operated from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM and then back from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM for death declarations—a service still regarded as indispensable even during the holidays.
Across Belgium, supermarkets like Carrefour, Lidl, and Delhaize chose to observe the holiday by keeping their doors firmly closed. Yet, smaller independent shops—particularly those affiliated with Carrefour Express—remained open, allowing customers to get their hands on necessary provisions. This dichotomy highlights the common practice across many European countries where major supermarket chains often shut during public holidays, pushing shoppers toward local markets and convenience stores.
Despite the closures, pharmacies provided specific avenues for emergency services, urging residents to check with local pharmacies for emergency openings. Bureaus of public service, including postal services, banks, and other administrative branches, likewise observed the holiday closure, leading many to plan and manage their errands around these interruptions.
The collective response to New Year's Day by retailers and services reveals how entrenched these holiday traditions remain, showcasing the balance between honoring cultural practices and meeting consumer demands. With most major retail chains aligning their closures for public holidays, consumers are urged to seek alternative sources for their shopping needs, from local grocers to convenience stores open during the festive season.
Such were the circumstances of New Year's Day 2025, where it seemed the bulk of the populace would either have to prepare diligently for the holiday closing or adapt to the limited offerings available. Though only some independent shops and convenience stores remained open, the spirit of the New Year was celebrated across communities with local events, family gatherings, and seasonal sentiments keeping the festive mood alive as people transitioned from celebrations to the routines of the new year.