To help local authorities deal with the rapid changes taking place in the retail sector and the challenges associated with spatial planning, Wallonia is providing them with a new retail diagnostic tool that is clear, comprehensive and accessible.
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This diagnostic tool, commissioned by the previous Minister for the Economy, was produced as part of the revision of the Schéma de Développement du Territoire (SDT) and the updating of the Code du Développement Territorial (CoDT).
The aim was to provide public authorities with a clear, up-to-date view of Wallonia's retail sector, in order to respond to the many challenges posed by economic, societal and territorial changes.
A practical tool for local decision-makers
The diagnosis is aimed primarily at local authorities, town planners, project developers and land managers. It offers :
- an overall analysis for Wallonia as a whole, to identify the major trends,
- detailed sheets for each municipality, showing the state of local commerce, dynamic areas, areas in difficulty, commercial vacancies, etc.
This tool is set to become a benchmark for retail planning, enabling more coherent and sustainable decisions to be taken.
A sector undergoing profound change
Retail is an important pillar of economic and social life in Wallonia. It accounts for more than 12% of jobs in Belgium, and contributes to lively neighbourhoods, a sense of security and the attractiveness of town centres. Yet for several years now, the sector has been undergoing major changes:
- Retail closures in town centres, leading to an increase in the number of empty units or their conversion into housing, offices or services;
- Development on the outskirts: shopping parks, shopping centres and major retailers are continuing to set up outside traditional town centres;
- Increased competition: Belgium is one of the European countries with the most retail space per capita. The result? Oversupply, high levels of retail vacancy (nearly 1 in 5 outlets will be empty by 2024) and stagnating overall sales.
Changing consumer habits
Changes in lifestyles are also having a major impact:
- The rise of e-commerce: consumers are buying more and more on the internet, changing the role of physical outlets;
- The search for meaning: many consumers are opting for local, sustainable and ethical products;
- New forms of commerce: ephemeral shops, shared spaces, second-hand goods, web-to-store, well-being services, etc.
Areas in need of rethinking
The study reveals that the rapid growth of out-of-town retail has contributed to the artificialisation of land and the weakening of urban centres. Against this backdrop, Wallonia has set itself an ambitious target: zero net artificialisation of land by 2050. To achieve this, it is essential to rebalance the retail offer, revitalise town centres and avoid the haphazard development of new shopping areas.
A tool for action, not just observation
Thanks to this diagnostic tool, local authorities can now :
- gain a better understanding of their local situation (strengths, weaknesses, retail dynamics),
- adjust their regional development plans,
- target regeneration initiatives in declining neighbourhoods,
- anticipate retail and service needs in the light of demographic and social trends.