Commercial diagnostics

To help Walloon municipalities draw up their planning tools (SDC, SDP, SOL, GCU), we are providing a commercial diagnostic tool. This dual diagnostic aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the state of commerce in Wallonia, at both regional and local level.

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Commissioned by the former Minister for the Economy, this analysis provides a detailed overview of the retail sector in Wallonia at two levels:

  • Regional, to understand the major trends;
  • Local, with detailed sheets for each commune.

What is the purpose of a commercial analysis?

The analysis is a decision-making aid for local authorities, designed to incorporate an analysis of retail activity into their planning documents.

In particular, it makes it possible to :

  • Characterise the retail offer (location, type, density)
  • Identify central locations and areas with commercial challenges
  • Gain a better understanding of household purchasing behaviour
  • Visualise the phenomenon of shoplifting

This tool can be used directly when drawing up or updating :

  • Municipal Development Scheme (SDC)
  • Multi-municipal development plan (SDP)
  • Local Orientation Scheme (SOL)
  • Communal Town Planning Guide (GCU)

It enables these documents to be based on a factual analysis of the area while respecting the main regional principles.

Regional commercial analysis

The regional commercial analysis provides an overview of the commercial situation in Wallonia, including quantitative and qualitative analyses. It summarises the current situation and challenges for commerce in Wallonia, based on the Regional Development Perspective. To remain competitive, Wallonia needs to strengthen its local assets, adopt a sustainable approach and adapt its retail sector to new consumer expectations. Lastly, the report puts forward general recommendations to ensure a balanced retail mix across the region.

Local commercial analysis

In the local commercial analysis sheets, you'll find a detailed, quantified analysis of the shops in your locality. These sheets provide essential data such as the total number of shops, the sales area available, and the breakdown of shops by purchasing category. They also highlight the links with the Schéma de Développement du Territoire (SDT), providing a perspective in line with regional guidelines.

The fact sheets present specific information on retail premises by trading area, distinguishing between active and vacant premises, and detailing their distribution by sales area and purchasing category. You will also find an analysis of spatial behaviour by purchasing category, providing a better understanding of local retail dynamics.

Finally, these sheets include conclusions with a description of the current retail situation and points to watch out for. They establish a link with the SDT measures and offer an analysis by shopping area, covering the food, light shopping and heavy shopping sectors. This information is crucial for assessing and optimising your local authority's commercial development.

How can I consult the commercial diagnostic sheet for my local authority?

The diagnosis is accessible via the WalOnMap mapping tool, available on the Wallonia Geoportal.

To consult a local authority's file:

  1. Access WalOnMap
  2. Activate the ‘Info’ tool in the toolbar  
  3. Click on the commune you want
  4. In the ‘Info’ section, under Communal Commercial Diagnosis, click on ‘Click to access’.
  5. The file will open in a new window

For further information, the data can also be downloaded or used via a webservice, directly from the Géoportail catalogue .

Video tutorial: how to access the diagnosis on WalOnMap (FR)

What is the purpose of a local commercial analysis?

This analysis is a decision-making aid for local authorities, designed to incorporate an analysis of retail activity into their planning documents.

In particular, it helps to :

  • Characterise the retail offer (location, type, density)
  • Identify central locations and areas where retail issues are at stake
  • Gain a better understanding of household purchasing behaviour
  • Visualise retail avoidance

What documents can it be used to support?

This tool can be used directly in the drafting or updating of :

  • Schéma de Développement Communal (SDC)
  • Schéma de Développement Pluricommunal (SDP)
  • Schéma d'Orientation Local (SOL)
  • Guide Communal d'Urbanisme (GCU)

It enables these documents to be based on a factual analysis of the area while respecting the main regional principles.

How can I consult the data?

The diagnosis is accessible via the WalOnMap mapping tool, available on the Géoportail de la Wallonie.

To consult a commune's file:

  1. Access WalOnMap
  2. Activate the "Info" tool in the toolbar
  3. Click on the commune you want
  4. In the "Info" section, under Communal Commercial Diagnosis, click on "Click to access"
  5. The file opens in a new window

To go further, the data can also be downloaded or used via a webservice, directly from the Géoportail catalogue.

Video tutorial: how to access the diagnosis on WalOnMap (only available in French)