Una nueva oleada de cierres comerciales sacude al centro de Bilbao | El Correo

Summary of Bilbao's Retail Crisis

The article discusses a recent surge in business closures in Bilbao's city center, particularly affecting Indautxu and Iparraguirre streets. Several prominent international brands, including Michael Kors, Hurley, Timberland, JOTT, and Yuccs, have recently closed their stores.

Causes of the Decline

The main contributing factors cited include:

• Decreased consumer spending due to economic pressures.
• Increased competition from online shopping.
• High rental costs.
• Shifting consumer priorities towards leisure and hospitality.

Jorge Aio, manager of BilbaoCentro, expresses concern about the declining quality of the city's commercial offerings compared to competitors like Málaga, Valencia, Seville, and Palma de Mallorca.

Impact and Outlook

Local business owners, like Olga from Coordinato, emphasize the lack of consumer spending and the growing dominance of online shopping. She warns of the potential for further closures and loss of vibrancy in the city center. There's a call for institutional support to prevent the situation from worsening.