Super U allowed to open on 3 Sunday afternoons in December

In early September, Super U had to review its opening hours, precisely the hours on Sunday afternoon. The supermarket was indeed forced to close before 1 pm in accordance with French law. The department of labor carried out several inspections. Although this new order displeased French consumers, the Dutch side supermarkets which remained open were delighted. For example, the supermarket located in Cole Bay had widely advertized that it would welcome customers on this day of the week.

Aware of the "large flow of tourists" coming from Sint Maarten to do their shopping on Sunday afternoon in Marigot, the prefecture has decided to allow Super U to open on Sunday afternoon on December 8, 11 and 16.

It justifies its decision also by the fact that "stores and grocery stores on the French side in Saint Martin are in a different situation than Dutch companies which are open to the public on Sunday afternoon" and that their closure on Sunday afternoon has "induced a significant decrease of clientele and turnover".

However, Super U will have to comply with the relevant regulations particularly by communicating the list of employees who work during this period to the labor inspection authorities.

One should bear in mind that the Collectivité has also sent a file to the government so that the territory can be recognized as an international tourist zone, which would provide more flexibility to stores to open on Sunday.