Storefronts across major commercial districts in Brussels were covered with protective wooden panels on Saturday as businesses took precautions against potential unrest and theft following social media calls for a fresh gathering. Although some confrontations occurred later in the day, the incidents remained limited compared to the widespread disorder recorded the previous week.
Retailers reinforced their premises in key shopping districts, including Avenue Louise, Porte de Namur, and Rue Neuve. The heightened security measures were prompted by violent clashes on October 17, during which several shops on Rue Neuve were ransacked and rioters clashed with police officers in central Brussels, leading security forces to deploy water cannon and tear gas.
A wide range of commercial properties boarded up their windows ahead of the weekend, including luxury fashion houses such as Tiffany & Co., Prada, Versace, and Ferragamo. Other major chains, including Nike, Lacoste, and Nespresso, also put up wooden barriers alongside independent businesses such as an optician and a phone repair shop.
The defensive measures extended beyond traditional retail outlets, with a Quick fast-food restaurant covering its entrance and glass display windows with timber panels. However, the establishment attached a small notice reading “open” to its frontage to alert customers that it remained operational.
Several other businesses adopted similar approaches to balance security with ongoing trading. Nike kept an uncovered doorway open for shoppers to enter, allowing merchants to safeguard their glass windows while maintaining customer access as pedestrians walked past and traffic continued through surrounding streets.
