Barcelona Open detects a drop in sales in commerce due to works in the city

BarcelonaBarcelona Oberta states it has detected a "generalized decrease" in visitor numbers and sales in shops during the summer due to construction work in the city and the resulting mobility and accessibility difficulties. In a statement published this Thursday, based on a survey of different commercial areas, the organization warns that the impact of the work goes beyond establishments located next to a construction site. "When construction affects the main access corridors, the consequences on mobility can affect the entire commercial activity of the city," the organization warns.

As Barcelona Oberta points out, this summer has seen coinciding disruptions at four major entry points to the Catalan capital: Gran Via and Plaça Espanya, Meridiana, Ronda de Dalt, and the Glòries area. Added to these works are the L8 subway works at various points in Eixample and Gràcia or on Carrer Muntaner, as well as work on La Rambla, Sants, or Verdaguer. For the organization, this accumulation has generated "a chain effect on commercial accessibility," as it is "more complex" to reach certain areas of Barcelona and move around the different neighborhoods.

Among the most affected commercial areas, the survey identifies La Rambla, Glòries, Carrer de Sants, and Creu Coberta. With minor but significant impacts, the association also mentions the Plaça Espanya area and the Arenes shopping center, the axis around the Sagrada Família, Passeig de Gràcia, and the area encompassing Carrer Pelai and other points in the center of Barcelona.

Sector claims

In this regard, the entity regrets a lack of aid and compensation mechanisms for businesses that suffer the direct impact of the works. "The loss of accessibility, the reduction in pedestrian traffic, and the difficulties in reaching establishments can translate into sustained drops in turnover that, in the most vulnerable cases, can compromise the continuity of businesses," states the organization.

This is why Barcelona Oberta calls for specific planning of the works and mobility from September 1st, coinciding with the return to activity, the start of the school year, and the autumn commercial campaign. In the entity's view, in the face of works that inevitably have a long duration, "it is necessary to plan the different phases to minimize simultaneous restrictions."