Commerce constitutes one of the main economic activities in Sants-Montjuïc, accounting for 25% of the overall economy and acting as one of the main sectors for generating jobs. The sector has strong ties with local associations, to the point where many of the district’s commercial entities offer models which are examples for the whole city.

The government measure, presented at the District Council meeting of 15 October, includes a shock plan with fourteen actions based around four basic areas of strategy:

• Adaptation of commerce to the changes and to the economic and health challenges.
• Innovation and training as an element of change, with action geared towards the promotion of commercial diversity and the adaptation to new sales processes.
• All angles and types of commerce represented in local policies, to promote work and cooperation with the administration.
• Environmental sustainability in economic activity, to achieve a better social and environmental return and at the same time promote the social and solidarity economy (SSE).

Innovation, proximity and training

Measures include new goods distribution models, with a shared home-delivery service for shopping hubs and municipal market associations alike, generated from an SSE entity which ensures decent social, labour and environmental conditions.

The possibility of promoting micro-platforms for the distribution of goods is also being looked at to supply commercial establishments and cut congestion, reduce pollutant emissions, help local commerce and improve its energy efficiency.

In a move to promote the diversification of commerce and give empty premises a new lease of life, a test shop will be set up in empty premises and rented out for a limited period of time with conditions which enable the feasibility of the business to be tested, as well as its implementation in different neighbourhoods in Sants-Montjuïc.

The measure also promotes training to respond to the needs of local retailers and improve their digital skills.