Grand oral yesterday in the reception hall of the City Hall, where Christian Estrosi presented the Local Commerce Plan.
Vision, strategy, plan, action, the mayor of Nice, in great shape, delivered a true “lectio magistralis.” More to come…
We are familiar with the worn-out debate between the large retail stores and small businesses, which unfolds between the bulldozer strength of the former and the sacrificial role of the latter, which takes pride in being defined as local.
But if we set aside the clichés, often devoid of the truth of economic figures, we can clearly see that, in practice, each of the two categories must follow its economic model and each has a role to play, provided they do it correctly and intelligently… and ask themselves: why should the customer come to me?
Moreover, today with the development of digital technology applications, isn’t it better to look towards what we call uberization in several fields of activity?
Of course, upstream, there is the regulating role of the public that must find a balance in urban planning and have a global vision of the territory, moving beyond the restricted perimeters of the community by considering mobility.
But ultimately, isn’t the key to rethink the model of economic development by embracing modernity and setting aside outdated battles?
An example, among others, cited by the mayor of Nice: e-commerce increased eightfold between 2005 and 2015, and its growth is exponential, while 12% of merchants have a website compared to 77% of French people owning a smartphone.
Something to ponder…
In this spirit, Christian Estrosi presented the support plan for local commerce, which includes both small businesses and shopping centers, with a common denominator: the attractiveness of the territory, a prerequisite for its expansion.
Let’s follow the path…
Firstly, to silence recent controversies about an oversized large surface offer in the city’s commercial framework and the metropolis, Christian Estrosi announced that no new initiatives will be approved in the approval of the Metropolitan Urban Plan that will be discussed in 2018.
Another fundamental measure: the creation of a Consultative Committee, a permanent dialogue platform between commerce stakeholders and the City.
The other announced measures are partly already known, others are new.
Here they are, as stated by the Mayor of Nice:
An online platform dedicated to merchants is now live: Nice-commerces.fr
This interactive site allows merchants to stay connected with our services at all times.
A new association named #NICESHOPPING, to strengthen and consolidate the commercial fabric around artistic, cultural, and sports events with the implementation of activities.
We will establish Allo Commerce: 04.97.13.45.50
Like Allo Mairie, I want merchants to have only one point of contact.
We will recruit a “commerce manager” in 2018, whose role will be to support and sustain merchant associations in their territory and work towards a comprehensive vision of the City’s commercial strategy.
The City will support the recovery of vacant premises and offer landlords with empty properties who wish for it to let the City accompany them in dressing their shop windows.
The City will also now support the creation or takeover of quality businesses, particularly through a “Trial Store,” that is, a pop-up shop. This might allow a young artisan or merchant to test their activity for a limited time;
Parking: As of January 1, 2018, in addition to free first-hour parking in 10 city center parking lots, we are introducing 30 minutes of free parking in paid street parking areas. No increase in hourly rates. Merchants will benefit from a subscription at 65 euros/month.
We will support the digital transition to boost the local economy and facilitate the digitalization of all our businesses. I announce the arrival of the AppiCity application on #Nice06.
The organization of an annual commerce day citywide in September.
To conclude, we will launch a major communication campaign to boost your activity. This campaign will begin on January 10, throughout the sales period, and will be advertised in Italy and Monaco.
Will it be a sacred union between the municipality and the merchants? Only time will tell…
In any case, the reaction of category association leaders shows that it’s off to a good start…
Bernard Chaix, vice-president of the CCI Côte d’Azur in charge of commerce: “We needed this link between the city and the businesses” about the Local Commerce Plan.
Philippe Desjardins, Federation of Nice commerce and crafts: “For us, downtown and local merchants, it’s Christmas ahead of time!”
Honoré Ghetti, President of Cpme_06, vice-president UPE_06: “It’s the first time such significant measures are taken.”
