On October 26 and 27, 2024, Chile will experience a weekend of elections for mayors, councilors, regional councilors and regional governors. These days will have a direct impact on business operating hours nationwide, with special regulations and closures in some locations. How will the different establishments operate these days?
Business operation on Saturday, October 26
Although Saturday the 26th is the first day of voting, it is not considered a non-waivable holiday. For this reason, the trade can operate normally, although several stores close earlier than usual. Supermarkets such as Jumbo, Líder, Unimarc, Santa Isabel and Tottus will adjust their hours, closing between 7:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. On the other hand, Mayorista 10 will maintain its normal opening hours in most of its stores, while Alvi will extend its hours until 9:00 p.m.
As for the shopping centersseveral will bring forward their closing on Saturday. For example, the Mall Plazas located in Biobío, Alameda and Los Ángeles will end their service at 8:00 p.m., while the rest of the stores will close at 8:30 p.m. Other shopping centers such as Cenco Malls, Mall Vivo, Outlets and Alto Las Condes will also operate until 8:00 p.m. or 8:30 p.m.
Trade during the holiday on Sunday, October 27
Sunday, October 27, being a non-waivable holiday, brings more severe restrictions for the trade. Supermarkets located inside malls and strip centers will be closed, while independent stores or stores that operate outside of these spaces will be able to open during normal hours. This applies to chains such as Jumbo, Líder, Unimarc, Santa Isabel and Tottus. However, the aCuenta chain will not open in any location, while some specific Mayorista 10 locations in cities such as Rengo, San Vicente and Chillán will be closed.
Shopping centers and malls on Sunday, October 27
Most of the malls and shopping centers, including Mall Plaza, Cenco Malls, Mall Vivo, Outlets and Alto Las Condes, will be closed throughout Sunday due to the non-waivable holiday. This means that the premises within these spaces, such as retail stores, restaurants and other services, will not be available to customers on that day, in compliance with the regulations for voting days.
Exceptions and essential services
He holiday non-waivable does not apply to certain essential services, such as pharmacies on duty, gas stations and some restaurants with special shifts. These establishments will be able to operate normally, since they are exempt from mandatory closure regulations. Users will be able to access these services if necessary, although it is advisable to verify their specific service hours in advance.
