Inflation: Belgians cross the border to shop in search of lower prices

In Lexy (Meurthe-et-Moselle), the license plates in the parking lot of the hypermarket do not deceive: more and more Belgians are coming to do their shopping in France. The flat country is hit by inflation of nearly 10%, where the latter is limited to 6% in France. A good reason to cross the border. “For a question of budget, we come regularly. Every fortnight or so”testifies a couple.

And some come from afar. With the start of the new school year approaching, a family from Liège traveled an hour and a half to come to Lexy to buy school supplies and do the shopping. “For 150 euros in savings, it was worth it”assures the mother of the family. “I think that on a shopping cart, we make 20 euros less”adds another customer who came for food and drinks, except for beer, which remains cheaper in Belgium. “Customers come to pick up certain products in particular such as fresh products, dairy products, but also parapharmacy”, explains Jérôme Lipa, director of the hypermarket. And they don’t just leave with a full cart, our neighbors fill up with fuel in France and they should continue with the 30-cent rebate at the pump which will take place from the start of the school year.