COMMERCIAL CENTERS
Montpellier’s retail influence extends far beyond its city limits. The metropolitan area’s merchant community is well balanced, reflecting the pronounced demographic changes taking place throughout the territory.
With an estimated 2.57 billion euros in sales for the local retail sector (source: CCI Occitanie - AID 2020), 46% of the metropolitan area’s sales are generated by stores and shops in Montpellier.
Montpellier Métropole wants to promote the entire existing retail structure to meet the needs of both outreach and proximity, while taking into account changes in shopping behavior – such as e-commerce, second-hand stores, and other outlets:
- Prioritize local commerce as a means of reducing traffic and contributing to the economic vitality of towns and villages.
- Boost the appeal of metropolitan centers.
- Reinforce metropolitan hubs that provide structure, giving priority to reinvestment and densification and, wherever possible, introducing a mix of functions and uses.
- Work to enhance the environmental and urban quality of commercial projects.
“SDUC” master plan for urban commercial development
A Master Plan for Commercial Urban Planning (Schéma Directeur d’Urbanisme Commercial - SDUC) is being prepared to define the main guidelines and strategies for commercial development in the Montpellier metropolitan area. The challenge is to successfully organize and scale the territory’s commercial infrastructure to support urban development, including major projects, various development operations and more, while taking sustainable development into account and seeking to satisfy consumer requirements.
The main issues include:
- Defining a commercial framework that reflects and adapts to demographic trends, household purchasing power, observed patterns, and the major changes affecting the retail sector,
- Taking new consumer behavior patterns into account, and integrating the impact of ongoing technological revolutions.
- Managing the development of new retail outlets within the area, while respecting existing balances and sustainable development objectives.
- Enhancing the urban, architectural, and environmental quality of commercial centers.
The SDUC commercial development master plan is being elaborated jointly with all the cities in the Montpellier metropolitan area, SERM/SA3M, the Hérault Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), and the Hérault Chamber of Trades and Crafts (CMA).
The plan will provide detailed knowledge concerning the commercial functioning of each location and living area in the metropolitan area, and will recommend an overall strategy to meet consumer needs that takes known projects into account.
Roadmap and strategy
The City of Montpellier decided to create a roadmap to define the objectives and priorities for ensuring smooth development of its retail sector. Because it is established in cooperation with all types of players, this roadmap will enable us to meet the major challenges facing local commerce.
Montpellier’s retail roadmap is built around the following commitments and objectives:
Commitment 1 Foster Montpellier’s commercial attractiveness
- Make a commitment to providing quality public spaces and amenities to re-energize the downtown area
- Work together to build a calmer environment
- Cooperate to improve accessibility
- Host large-scale events to attract tourism and leisure visitors
Commitment 2: Develop a harmonious commercial and artisanal offering throughout the metropolitan area
- Understand and monitor changes in commercial activities
- Promote commercial diversity and quality
- Maintain attractive commercial centers
- Assist project leaders
Commitment 3: Work together to create the retail and craft industries of tomorrow
- Partner to boost commercial activity
- Support local retailers and artisans
- Support retailers and merchants facing change in order to promote proximity
- Help businesses make the transition to low-carbon consumption
Dedicated attractiveness strategies have been implemented to support the dynamics of Montpellier’s commercial centers.
The first of these strategies to be deployed is in the city center. With 35% of Montpellier’s retail sales generated in the downtown area, it represents a veritable economic powerhouse for the area. Preserving and invigorating its attractiveness is therefore vital to both sustaining the economic wealth of metropolitan area and enhancing its exposure.