Je ne sais pas ce qu’on fait là pour le peu d’argent qu’on va gagner. Il y a un climat de peur,
confie un employé dans une luxueuse boutique de joaillerie du goulet Louise.
Brussels businesses boarded up their storefronts and closed their doors on Saturday as shop owners brace for potential chaos and looting during what has been dubbed a “samedi noir”. Store owners across the goulet Louise and the Sablon district implemented strict security measures amid fears of unrest and property destruction.
Barricades and Protective Measures in the City
Along the streets, workers prepared storefronts by installing wooden protections. Outside the Lacoste store, Alfredo was seen cutting final wooden planks, noting that storm conditions the previous day had delayed his work. Ce n’est pas normal ce qui se passe. La police doit faire quelque chose,
he said, while setting up the barriers. Reports indicate that such protective installations quickly cost around 1,500 euros.
Not all businesses opted for wooden boards, choosing alternative precautions instead. S’ils viennent piller, on fermera les volets et on priera,
remarked a representative from another shop in the goulet. In jewelry stores, precautions were taken early Saturday morning to empty the displays entirely. At Munters & Bostanci, all jewelry was removed from view.
Les Commerçants Du Sablon Craignent Des Dégradations
On est là, mais on n’est pas là. On garantit une présence au cas où un client viendrait,
explained Diran, highlighting widespread anxieties over potential overflows and individuals who cassent pour casser.
Another Italian shoe vendor expressed similar concerns, stating they live in fear that people peuvent tout casser pour une paire de chaussettes
and choosing to keep doors shut between customer visits.
Amid the tense atmosphere, the Sablon neighborhood saw numerous shops displaying closed doors on Saturday morning with pulled or barricaded shutters alongside a reinforced police presence, as detailed by La Libre.
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