The city council of Alicante has marked the 'Local Commerce Day' with a commemorative event held at El Portalet, aiming to raise awareness and recognise the vital role of local businesses as an economic engine for job creation in neighbourhoods. Officials emphasised that local commerce is the 'identity, lungs, and soul' of the city.
Lidia López, the councillor for commerce, highlighted the dedication and responsibility behind each local trader, stating, 'Behind every merchant is effort, work, enthusiasm, and a lot of responsibility.' She reiterated the council's commitment to advancing new projects that support local commerce, encouraging young people to pursue careers in this sector to ensure Alicante remains a thriving place for business.
The event was attended by representatives from the commercial sector, including association presidents and market entities, as well as Rafael Alemañ, the councillor for cleanliness and mobility, and other municipal officials. This year, the city council has launched a communication campaign featuring banners and public transport advertisements to promote proximity commerce, alongside a video showcasing the significance of local trade on social media.
A presentation titled 'Your customer is not a click. Local commerce, trust, and new ways of buying' addressed the future of local commerce, exploring how to integrate technology, artificial intelligence, and human interaction to maintain relevance in an increasingly digital landscape. The session was led by coach and communicator Carolina Hernández.
López expressed pride in recognising the contributions of the commercial sector, stating, 'Alicante is a vibrant city thanks to our businesses, which are the economic and employment engine and part of many people's lives.' The commercial sector also participated by producing a joint video defining what local commerce means to them, describing it as 'people on the street, trust, neighbours, and the lifeblood of Alicante.' They stressed that without small businesses, the city would lose its vitality and community spirit.
Furthermore, local traders articulated that commerce represents 'the identity of a city, the soul, the heart, and the life of Alicante.' They highlighted the importance of personal connections, saying, 'Commerce is the best thing a city can have, putting a face to every purchase and ensuring that behind every door, there is a smile and someone ready to help.'
López concluded by urging attendees to take away ideas to tackle the challenges faced in their establishments, expressing optimism for the future based on their expertise and collaboration with the city council.
