REPORT | The future of local commerce in city centers and priority urban districts - Banque des Territoires

SUMMARY

This report takes place against a backdrop of deep change in local retailing, marked by the structural contraction of goods consumption, the rise of e-commerce, the increase in retail vacancy and the accentuation of socio-economic fragilities in town centers and Priority Urban Neighborhoods (QPV). The aim is twofold: to establish an objective diagnosis of the state of local retailing, and to formulate operational recommendations that will enable local authorities to regain control over the transformation of urban centers.

The issue goes beyond the mere question of retail: retail is analyzed here as a tool of regional policy, contributing to quality of life, social cohesion andresidential appeal. This approach gives the report a strategic scope for local public policies. The revitalization of town centers requires that they be "put through their paces" to become places for strolling, leisure activities and essential services.

Keywords: Action Cœur de Ville, animation, residential attractiveness, city center, local commerce, shops, customer experience, inhabitants, commercial real estate, social link, quality of life, priority city districts, QPV, urban planning, digital uses, commercial vacancy.

Illustration: Banque des Territoires ©