Economic Sectors
Centre of commercial attraction
Elche’s commercial areas are spread out around the cityElche has always been an exemplary local commercial centre. Over the last few years this function has increased, covering an area of greater influence, due to the growth in numbers of businesses and shopping centres; so much so that between 1999 and 2004 retail business activity rose by 19.8% and wholesale by 63.2%, according to the 2004 Spanish Commerce Directory. The top figures are 3,857 activities in retail trade and 1,407 in wholesale trade. For both types of trade the activities related to footwear and textiles stand out, although the main body of retail trade is represented by food products.
Together with the phenomenon of large shopping centres a resurgence of high-quality commerce has come about in the city centre Another important commercial factor in the last few years has been the increase in area covered by shopping centres (9,794 m2 in 1998 and 52,015 m2 in 2003) due to the installation of an extensive shopping and leisure centre. At this moment the installation of two further shopping centres is planned.
Together with the phenomenon of large shopping centres a resurgence of specialist and high-quality commerce has come about in the city centre, encouraged by acts by the city council such as the pedestrianisation of streets and improvement of surroundings, as well as urban renovation of commercial areas in the different neighbourhoods. With the aim of making transport and access to the shopping and leisure centres easier for citizens 5,468 new parking spaces have been created, of which 70% are for residents and the rest are for renting over varying periods of time.
One of the pedestrian areasLocal businessmen are doing their bit by modernising their businesses by incorporating new technology into their management systems, with the objective of giving their clients the best service possible.
Something else which must be mentioned is the important role that the Institución Ferial Alicantina, situated within the municipal district of Elche, is playing in the promotion of typical products of the region and that of the commercial activity among business men and with the end consumer. Especially important are trade fairs related to footwear, furniture, commerce and services (above all tourism-related).
