A new policy white paper from the Confédération des Commerçants de France sets out strategies to tackle falling footfall and commercial vacancy in French town centres.
The document, published ahead of the March 2026 municipal elections, outlines practical retail revitalisation measures for local councils and political candidates.
It highlights the role of local retail strategy in supporting economic activity, sustaining independent merchants and reinforcing the appeal of city and town centres as vibrant commercial hubs.
Retail decline and municipal elections frame policy debate
The white paper on retail and town centre revitalisation responds to long-standing concerns about shrinking retail activity in France’s urban cores.
The Confédération des Commerçants de France stresses that rising commercial vacancy rates, changes in shopping habits and pressures on independent merchants have weakened many high streets.
The timing of the release reflects the importance of city and town centre economic performance to the upcoming municipal elections in March 2026.
Candidates and newly elected councils will be expected to address issues such as accessibility, mobility, local jobs and public space activation as part of broader local retail policy strategies.
Actionable proposals for local retail revitalisation
The retail revitalisation white paper provides a set of measures designed for implementation at municipal and intermunicipal levels. It urges local authorities to use planning tools and urban management levers to support independent shops and reduce the number of unused commercial properties.
Key proposals include strengthening regulatory frameworks to manage commercial land and rents, promoting better accessibility and transport links, and improving conditions for business set-up and small retail enterprises in town centres.
The document also highlights examples from local authorities that have applied proactive retail strategies with measurable impact.
Integration with broader retail and urban policy trends
The focus on town centre revitalisation aligns with wider European concerns about the future of high streets and local retail ecosystems.
Recent analysis from international bodies points to the need for coordinated efforts on digital adoption, sustainability and labour market challenges as part of successful urban retail strategies.
French industry stakeholders and local authorities will watch how the white paper’s recommendations influence election manifestos and municipal policy agendas ahead of 2026.
The outcome may shape how local governments balance economic development, retail sustainability and community vitality in the years ahead.
