Traditional commerce in Famalicão's center is experiencing a period of serious difficulties, marked by a sharp decline in sales and the departure of customers. Shopkeepers are affected by the burden of fixed expenses, the loss of consumer purchasing power, and strong competition from large commercial areas. The recent urban requalification of the city center further exacerbated the situation by eliminating hundreds of parking spaces and making daily business logistics more difficult.
Joaquim Veloso, manager of Ourivesaria da Praça, a 60-year-old establishment, points to mobility changes as highly detrimental to commerce. The center had a free parking area for about 200 cars, now replaced by a paid area with capacity for only 40 vehicles. The merchant also warns about pavement failures, with loose stones that have caused falls among passersby.
Maria Augusta Costa, owner of Cafetaria do Mercado, with 37 years of activity, reports difficulties in loading and unloading operations, with no tolerance and frequent fines. The replacement of awnings by the Municipal Council initiative transferred maintenance responsibility to shopkeepers, who had to bear costs of 60 euros after waiting a month for repairs. The merchant emphasizes that
