On October 2, Christian Estrosi officially launched the Assises du Commerce in Nice in the City Council chamber. The objective: to establish a 2023/2030 roadmap to strengthen the commercial fabric and maintain its attractiveness.
“It’s not because our commercial fabric is attractive and strong that we shouldn’t maintain it. Commerce requires regular attention and effective support. In order to strengthen our commercial fabric and ensure the attractiveness of our territory, I have decided to establish a new 2024/2030 roadmap for commerce,” declared Christian Estrosi.
Last May, a questionnaire was sent to over 20,000 Niçois, randomly selected to take stock of the inhabitants’ consumption habits. This citizen consultation was the first step of these 2023 Assises du Commerce.
A report was made, and the figures were presented on October 2 before an assembly of Niçois traders. Only 701 Niçois participated in this survey, “of which a very large majority were purchasing decision-makers,” noted Franck Martin, deputy mayor in charge of commerce.
The last Assises of this type took place in 2017. Six years ago, a 2017-2023 ten-point plan was established. It notably included the creation of a website, the implementation of a major clearance sale with free public domain occupation, the installation of new brands, assistance with establishment through a one-stop shop within the commerce and craft department, free parking with one hour offered on Saturdays, and support for digital transition with financial aid for digitalization.
85% of Niçois visit local shops once a week
92% of respondents report visiting local shops, with 85% doing so once a week. One out of two city center residents visit them daily. Bakeries are the most sought-after shops by Niçois, followed by pharmacies and cafés-restaurants.
Residents of outlying areas like Nice-West, the Heights of Nice, and the hills tend to avoid local shops. “They mainly head to Cap 3000, then 24% make their purchases online, and then to the west of the city, visit the shopping centers Lingostière and Saint-Isidore, and 11% go to our neighbors in Italy,” commented the deputy mayor.
Sylvain Gilbert, co-founder of Atromectris, completes the data collected by the city. The creation of businesses increased by 2.3% in the second quarter of 2023 compared to the first quarter of 2023. In comparison, Cannes and Bordeaux experienced an increase of 2%.
Good news for the hotel sector (+25%), traditional restaurants (+8.2%), and hairdressing (+5%), businesses in these sectors all saw an increase in their turnover in the second quarter of 2023 compared to the same quarter in 2022. However, for bakeries and pastry shops, the trend is the opposite. These businesses recorded a drop in turnover of over 4%.
Security and ecological transition to enhance the appeal of Niçois businesses
With the diagnosis established, it’s time to implement tailored solutions. For this, Christian Estrosi has scheduled five meetings with commerce stakeholders. Workshops will be held until the end of the year. They will address five previously defined themes: attractiveness and commercial dynamism, security and regulation, parking, transport and urban logistics, cleanliness and waste collection, ecological transition.
The first magistrate emphasized two areas, one concerning security and the other on ecological transition. He particularly attributes Nice’s successful tourist season this summer to good security management throughout the year. “The only place in France where there were no looting scenes in June was Nice,” he asserted.
For Christian Estrosi, the good health of commerce is a comprehensive matter! It notably involves real estate health and an attractive event policy (cultural and sports) with significant economic benefits. “The attractiveness of commerce comes at the price of a city that meets all aspects,” he concluded.
