In a World of Identical Stores, How Do You Build a Distinct Identity?

Globalization and digitalization have expanded purchasing possibilities, but they have also contributed to transforming the commercial landscape. The same brands, products, and trends are reproduced everywhere, while digital platforms allow access to a practically unlimited offer without leaving home. In this context, local commerce faces the challenge of carving out a place in an increasingly competitive market without losing what makes it unique.

What makes a customer choose one store over another? Personal treatment, specialization, product quality, shopping experience, or the connection to the neighborhood can make a difference. But how is a unique identity built and, above all, how does it become a competitive advantage that allows attracting customers, retaining them, and ensuring the viability of the business? These are some of the questions that the next session of the Eixample Talks cycle will address, under the title In a world of identical stores, how is a unique identity built? The meeting will take place on November 4, at 9:30 a.m., at the Pimec headquarters in Barcelona.

The session will focus on new consumption habits, the competition from large platforms, and the future of commercial areas. It will also open the debate on the role of public policies in accompanying the transformation of the sector: how can establishments adapt to new customer expectations without losing their essence? How can they compete with large operators who have enormous investment capacity? And what needs to be done to ensure that commercial streets maintain their personality, attractiveness, and vitality? To attend as an audience, a free ticket must be reserved.

Prior reservation  

The day will begin with a presentation by Maria Segarra, CEO of Intueri Consulting, who will introduce a strategic perspective on the challenges facing commerce and the importance of building a differentiated value proposition.

Next, a round table will bring together three complementary perspectives from the sector. Participants will include Mónica Gregori Bonet, president of Pimec Comerç, businesswoman, and the fourth generation at the helm of Obrador dels 15; Mònica Noguera, owner of Plats Cuinats Hostafrancs and president of the Associació de Comerciants de Creu Coberta, who will provide the perspective of commercial hubs and establishments that bring life to the streets; and Marta Raurell, deputy director of the Consorci de Comerç, Artesania i Moda de Catalunya, from the field of public policies and initiatives to support the sector. The conversation will connect the daily challenges of businesses with the necessary strategies to strengthen the competitiveness and identity of commerce.

L’Eixample Talks is a series promoted by Pimec and The New Barcelona Post that fosters dialogue between the public and private sectors to jointly address the major economic, social, and urban challenges of the city and the country. The initiative has the collaboration of the Generalitat de Catalunya, the Port de Barcelona, and Mustmedia.

Like the rest of the sessions in the series, the meeting will be held in transmedia format, with in-person attendance and subsequent dissemination in video-podcast format, to bring the conversation and reflections of the participants to a wider audience.