The businesses are struggling! This is the sad observation of the Nice Trade and Handicraft Office. Since its inception in June 2009, it has been tirelessly working to develop the shops. A difficult task, but the solutions are there. What are they?
“A city without commerce is a dying city,” declared Eric Ciotti. With its 27,000 businesses generating €3.4 billion in revenue, Nice is France’s leading tourist hub. “Moreover, businesses are the primary source of income,” says Christian Estrosi.
However, it is an increasingly difficult task for shopkeepers. Starting from Nice Etoile, there are fewer consumers. Some neighborhoods are completely disadvantaged. This is the case in St Roch to the east or Borriglione in the north of the city.
The Nice Trade and Handicraft Office is actively seeking solutions. “We need to change the consumption habits of the people of Nice and adapt commerce to each neighborhood. The needs in Borriglione are different from those in the city center,” says Bernard Chaix, president of OCAN. Numerous actions are being implemented. Beyond various events, like the Mai festival on St Roch Square, for example, OCAN is implementing various actions to facilitate purchasing access.
In the ever-present competition among various businesses, it is time to unite around the gift voucher. Launched on June 21, 2010, it helps revitalize certain commercial sectors. More than 250 Nice shops are partners. “It’s a gift that works well for Mother’s/Father’s Day and Christmas. Outside of these times, it’s more challenging,” admits Bernard Chaix. 5,000 gift vouchers have been purchased in 8 months.
But the commercial revolution stems from the magic card! It allows 2,500 consumers to remain loyal to their stores thanks to a free multi-store card. Hours of parking, gift vouchers, and discount coupons are the key rewards for the ideal user.
OCAN gives local businesses the marketing power of large retailers. About a hundred shopkeepers have joined the program. In the testing phase, the official launch of the card is planned for September 2011.
