Lleida is facing a growing problem in its retail sector, with seven in ten shop closures linked to a lack of generational handover, according to Pimec Comerç Lleida. The group says the remaining 30 per cent close for reasons such as bankruptcy or other causes.
Manel Llaràs, president of Pimec Comerç Lleida, described this as a short-term issue, especially for historic businesses that act as commercial references. He warned that if large multinationals become the main reference point, Lleida risks losing its personality as a city.
Llaràs said the closure of well-known businesses is especially worrying. In many cases, younger family members lose their connection with the business, either because they pursue professional studies or because they want to live better and not be slaves.
Finding new owners
To limit closures, Pimec Comerç Lleida and the city council offer technical support to owners who cannot find someone to take over their business. The aim is to find viable alternatives and keep premises in use. Llaràs said the Chinese community is the most active group in reopening these shops.
Reempresa also works to connect existing businesses with new entrepreneurs, with support from local partners including chambers of commerce, merchant associations and regional councils. Since 2011, the programme says it has completed more than 5,880 successful handovers across Catalonia and saved 16,500 jobs. More information is available on the Reempresa website and the Pimec website.
Impact on the commercial fabric
Marta Aguilar, a delegate for Reempresa, said that when there is no succession plan, a shop closes even if it is profitable and viable. She said this causes a major loss to the city’s commercial, economic and social fabric, especially in active sectors. For more local coverage, see our news page.