The Casa dels Mundina hosted the presentation of the diagnostic phase results for Vila-real's Local Commerce Master Plan. The aim is to redefine support policies for the municipality's commerce and proximity services, analyzing over 3,700 premises and involving 500 people.
The diagnosis involved retailers, entrepreneurs, consumers, young people, associations, and experts through surveys, interviews, and workshops. The work, developed by the PATECO Office, was presented by technicians Sonia Esteban and Carmen Hernández.
The document indicates that Vila-real has approximately 3,700 active economic premises, with nearly 500 being retail businesses. It highlights the growth of sectors such as personal services, beauty, wellness, and leisure. However, the study warns of changing consumer habits, spending shifts to other municipalities, and the need to revitalize commercial areas and reduce vacant premises.
During the event, consultant José Manuel Plaza presented practical examples of applying artificial intelligence to local commerce, such as in the establishments Deportes Eva and Al d’Emilio, and described Vila-real as an “AI laboratory”.
The mayor of Vila-real, José Benlloch, emphasized that the diagnosis allows for a “rigorous understanding of the sector's situation” and highlighted the Master Plan as a city project. He acknowledged municipal support initiatives, including the Vilabons campaign, agreements with commercial associations, collaboration with Villarreal CF, and property tax rebates.
The president of the Chamber of Commerce of Castellón, Maria Dolores Guillamón, reaffirmed the entity's commitment to the process. With the diagnosis complete, the Master Plan now enters a new phase focused on defining strategic objectives and concrete projects, which will be agreed upon with the sector.
