Jean Pierre Savarino, President of the Nice Côte d’Azur Chamber of Commerce and Industry, presented the assessment of the first half of 2017 during a press conference. Several points were addressed, such as the economic situation in the Alpes-Maritimes for businesses and merchants. It was also an opportunity to discuss the outlook and ongoing projects.
The first half of the year was positive but fragile. This is what emerged from the press conference. The overall economic situation of businesses increased by 1%. However, not all sectors are in the same boat, starting with commerce. Moreover, the sales report for the summer remains quite mixed.
According to a survey by the CCI economic observatory conducted among 373 merchants, more than half expressed dissatisfaction. They note a significant decrease in foot traffic to their stores. Additionally, there is a reduction in the budget spent in shops in the region. This is due to the expansion of online sales, which weakens small businesses that have not yet adapted.
Another important figure, partly related to this decline, is the transmission of businesses. Currently, over 38% of business owners are over 55 years old. The usual renewal process is becoming increasingly difficult to achieve. With constant changes in occupations within companies, there is a risk that in about ten years, companies in the Côte d’Azur will lose some of their attractiveness. The issue is a lack of renewal.
Finally, the post-attack step plan implemented after July 14, 2016, is delivering more positive feedback. The general health of businesses is satisfactory in the majority of cases (61%). This aid plan has enabled them to better absorb this unfortunate episode. On the other hand, small businesses are struggling to recover and regain an activity level similar to what they had before the attacks. “For these businesses, support will continue with more investments to come,” specifies Jean-Pierre Savarino.
And now, what future?
The CCI management gathered the day before yesterday to discuss the business project CAP21. This plan aims to prioritize balance between merchants and the major sectors of activity (tourism, services, industry, etc.) throughout the Côte d’Azur territory. To do this, the CCI will focus on areas like employee training and developing new infrastructures (OGC Nice training center, creation of a new regional apprenticeship campus, redesign of the Nice port to meet the security aspect desired by the government).
All these upcoming projects are expected to materialize by 2021. Hopefully, they will not lead to the loss of certain assets, such as managing the Villefranche-sur-Mer port…
