Lleida is seeing a steady loss of long-standing shops and services as owners retire without finding someone to take over. Local officials say the problem is affecting the city’s commercial and social fabric, even when the businesses are still viable.
At least eight historic businesses in Lleida closed in the first half of the year, including Genet Blau, Calucho and Rosa Escarp butcher's shop. Other closures listed by SEGRE include Rué Peralta and Lavaquial jewellers, Torres pastry shop, Simón chemist, Inglés armaments, Pons pharmacy, Modas Andreu, Xicra chocolatier and Teixidó men's clothing store.
Marta Aguilar, a delegate for Reempresa, said one in two owners who seek help do so because they want to retire and have no one in their circle who can take over. She said that without a succession plan, a business can close even if it is profitable and has customers.
Reempresa works with chambers of commerce, trade associations and regional councils to connect sellers with new entrepreneurs. Aguilar said business transfer is still a little-known and underused option, and that coordination between initiatives could improve. The aim is to make taking over an existing business as normal as starting a new one.
The issue is not only about retirement. Reempresa says online commerce is also putting pressure on local trade, and many long-time merchants have lacked the support needed to adapt. Aguilar said the strongest businesses combine their local identity with digital tools such as social media, online sales, booking systems or loyalty schemes.
Since 2011, Reempresa has recorded more than 5,880 successful transfers across Catalonia, saving more than 16,500 jobs. In Lleida province, there were 37 successful transfers in 2025, including 10 in Lleida city. More Catalonia news