Barcelona’s local commerce model was put in the spotlight at the II Catalonia Trade Summit, held in the city today as part of the events marking Barcelona’s European Capital of Local Commerce status for 2026.
Nadia Quevedo, Barcelona City Council’s Commissioner for Economic Promotion, Commerce, Restaurants and the Fashion Plan, said the city’s economic model is sustainable, inclusive and fair. She said local commerce is present in all neighbourhoods and that small and medium-sized enterprises, along with self-employed workers, have been central to the recognition.
Quevedo described Barcelona’s approach as unique in Europe and said it reflects the competitiveness, resilience and sustainability of the sector. She also said it combines tradition with innovation, and that the recognition is a collective success for the city’s merchants and the wider commercial sector.
The commissioner said the City Council has a responsibility to protect the model at a time of major change in consumption, work, generational shifts and digitisation. She pointed to the temporary suspension of new licences for 24-hour supermarkets as a measure aimed at regulating, planning and protecting the city’s commercial balance.
She also cited the Bonus Consum programme, which is intended to encourage spending in local shopping areas. Quevedo said Barcelona must remain open to economic activity while also defending its commercial model, its merchants and the general interest. More on the city’s local business policy can be found on the news tag page.
The summit also included Marta Angerri, Director General of Commerce for the Government of Catalonia, Antoni Cañete, President of PIMEC, and Mònica Gregori, President of PIMEC Comerç. Their presence underlined the shared effort to support Catalonia’s commercial sector as it adapts to changing consumer habits and new technology.
