Nantes: Shops Authorized to Open on Two Exceptional Sundays to Offset Protest Losses

In an official statement released on Tuesday, November 10, the prefecture of Loire-Atlantique announced the granting of an exceptional authorization allowing shops in downtown Nantes to open their doors on two additional Sundays in November. This decision comes in response to longstanding professional demands aimed at boosting economic activity, safeguarding jobs, and helping business owners cope with declining revenues.

Supporting Commercial Activity and Protecting Jobs

The prefecture explained in its statement that this measure addresses "the economic consequences and the decline in commercial activity resulting from the violence that accompanied protests and public movements." Consequently, shops will be permitted to welcome customers on Sundays, November 22 and 29, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM, in addition to the three Sundays previously authorized by the Nantes municipality.

Local authorities emphasized that this decision is strictly regulated under the provisions of the French Labor Code, applying exclusively to the designated geographic area for a temporary period. It is primarily based on the principle of strictly voluntary participation for employees, fully upholding their rights to financial compensation and compensatory rest as prescribed by legal regulations, reflecting the government's priority to preserve the economy and sustain employment.

Widespread Relief Among Downtown Merchants

The decision was warmly welcomed by the downtown Nantes merchants' association, "Plein Centre." Its president, Karine Martin, expressed satisfaction, stating that merchants view the move as a "small victory." She voiced delight over the response to their demands, which coincides with the upcoming opening of the Nantes Christmas Market and the launch of the "Le Voyage en hiver" events.

This measure comes at a critical time for a retail sector grappling with declining purchasing power and recurring heatwaves, alongside the weekly Saturday tensions the city has witnessed since October 17. Martin pointed out that the events of October 17 alone resulted in the smashing and looting of more than thirty shops, recalling that Saturday trade typically accounts for roughly 30% of total weekly turnover for many merchants.

Although opening on two additional Sundays may not fully offset the losses, economic operators are counting on the move to attract shoppers and visitors strolling through the city center. Meanwhile, the merchants' representative noted that coordination for 2027 has already resulted in an agreement to open on three Sundays so far.