Lidl, a major German supermarket chain with around 1,630 stores in France, is changing its store hours to open at 8:00 AM and close at 8:00 PM, which is 30 minutes earlier than before. The decision was announced during a social and economic committee (CSE) meeting on Wednesday, October 7. This change aims to standardize operating hours across all Lidl stores in France. It follows a trial period in some stores in eastern France and aligns with a policy that allows stores to open on Sundays from 8:00 AM to 12:15 PM. This policy was expanded to an additional 750 stores in June 2025. The new schedule is intended to better attract customers who shop in the morning, especially families, and to provide a consistent experience for all shoppers across the country. Lidl is the leading seller of pastries in France by volume, and early morning hours are considered ideal for purchasing bread and pastries before dropping off children at school and heading to work. These items are typically located at the entrance of stores and are self-service, making it quick and convenient for customers. The change is also part of Lidl’s broader development strategy. The company aims to expand its presence in France to 2,000 stores by 2035, planning to open 40 new stores annually and acquire 17 Auchan supermarkets. Management emphasized that the decision is driven by the need for clarity in commercial operations and clarified that the store hours for employees who arrive around 6:00 AM will remain unchanged, although the organization and distribution of tasks will be adjusted. Reactions from labor unions have been mixed. Mohamed Sylla, an UNSA delegate for Lidl, expressed concern that additional hours should be added to compensate for the half-hour change and warned that increased sales should not come at the expense of employees. Lidl reported an estimated turnover of 7 million euros per morning when stores are open, suggesting the change could lead to increased sales.