One in five independent shops disappears in five years

Belgium has suffered a decline of nearly 18,000 independently owned shops in the past five years, according to a survey by the union for the self-employed, NSZ, based on figures from the state institute for social insurance for the self-employed.

In 2008, the number of independent retailers stood at 77,433; at the end of 2013 the figure had fallen by almost 23%, to 59,804. The causes of the decline are several, NSZ said: a growth in malls on the edge of towns and cities populated by large chains; an increase in the number of shopping centres; and the growing popularity of online shopping.

The result has been a reduction in the number of active retailers and vacant properties in the commercial heart of cities and towns, leading to a feeling of insecurity and the desertion of consumers, in a vicious circle of decline.

“Municipalities have a huge responsibility,” said Luc Ardies of Unizo, an organisation that represents independent employers. “They have to ensure their policies are supportive and see that independent shops have the chance to be present next to the large chains, even in the expensive shopping streets.”

“At the same time,” said NSZ president Christine Mattheeuws, “retailers need to look at themselves and not hesitate to join in with innovative concepts. Shopkeepers need to understand that service is their most important way of attracting customers and of creating something with which the giant chains cannot compete.”