One new shop opened in 2020 (Place Poelaert). But the health crisis had a major impact on commercial activity in stations. Retail space represented 5,493 m² (compared to 6,235 m² in 2019) divided into 56 stores (71 in 2019). In terms of employment, these shops employed around 297 FTEs at the end of 2020. The shops in the stations offer a varied range of products such as a bakery, minimarket, fish bars, juice bars and cafes, card shops and a bookshop.

STIB took supporting measures in 2020 amounting to more than € 2 million, to support the traders present in the stations and limit closures following the health crisis; the measures include suspending or reducing rental fees. Both solutions were applied to all shops.

These measures have enabled STIB to maintain commercial activities within the stations, activities that contribute to the feeling of safety of passengers and the pleasantness of the stations.