The commercial sector in Bilbao is undergoing a phase of structural transformation. According to data from the Chamber of Commerce, Bizkaia has lost 25% of its physical stores since 2014, and although the capital of Bizkaia maintains around 4,000 establishments, the trend continues downwards. However, despite store closures, retail sales grew by 3.5% last year.
To address this scenario, the Bilbaodendak association and the Bilbao City Council have launched several initiatives. Among these is the 'Retail Management' program, an executive training plan designed to improve the competitiveness and digitalization of local commerce, organized in collaboration with the Bilbao Chamber of Commerce and ESIC Business & Marketing School. This program consists of eight strategic management sessions, where participants will analyze their business from a 360-degree perspective to develop a concrete and applicable action plan.
“"We believe it is fundamental for professionals leading these businesses to have good training, because that training enables them to compete."
Training is consolidating as a key tool for the sector's sustainability, emphasizing the professionalization of management and strategic capability. The objective is to equip merchants with the necessary tools to adapt to a changing economy and the competition from large operators.
The impact of tourism is also becoming increasingly relevant. Although it is not the primary reason for visiting Bilbao, tourists do make purchases, and businesses in tourist areas are capitalizing on this. Revenue from visitors in these areas has increased “considerably” over the last decade, rising from representing 2-3% of the total to 10-12% currently.
The new training program is open to the nearly 2,000 businesses integrated into Bilbaodendak and other establishments in the city. It will have two editions in May and October, with 25 places each. A week before the registration deadline, 50% of the first session's places have already been filled. In addition to training, the association has highlighted other successful actions such as 'Mengo Shopping', guided shopping routes that began in 2015 and had 400 participants last year. The association also collaborates on projects like 'Fashion Revolution Week' to give visibility to local commerce.
