This is a first. In Rennes, the rate of empty businesses reached 10.7%. It is Audiar, the Rennes town planning agency, which reveals this in its latest report. Several factors explain this poor figure. The average vacancy in metropolitan areas in France is 9.6%.
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There were 231 premises for sale or rent in the city center of Rennes last April, according to the Audiar report. A record never equaled, which can be explained by a change in consumption habits, the explosion of e-commerce, the crisis in the clothing sector and the decline in purchasing power. But also by the difficulties in accessing the city center.
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Nacha Gautier manages a clothing store in the historic center, which she has known for 20 years. There has been work going on in the streets near his store for two and a half years. And for the past year, she has noticed a drop in traffic to her store. She explains this by the difficulties of accessibility, particularly for elderly people unaccustomed to public transport and bicycles. The same people who buy less on the internet.
I have customers who tell me that it’s complicated to park. This is a clearly identified problem, particularly for older people.
Nacha Gautier
Shopkeeper in the city center of Rennes
She adds that “the focus on everything that is happening at the moment in Rennes in terms of security”also impacts this clientele.
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Other traders point out that rent prices are too high.
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Report: Sandrine Ruaux, Colombine Denis, Lionel Bonis, PY Cheval Speakers: Nacha Gautier, “Courbettes et Galipettes” boutique manager; Loïck Le Brun, sales manager of the corporate real estate agency “Cushman et Wakefield”; • ©FTR
For its part, the city of Rennes recognizes that this vacancy rate of 10.7% is not satisfactory. However, it defends its policy of renovating the city center. Didier Le Bougeant, assistant to the shops and city center of Rennes, explains that without this operation which requires certain shops to be made vacant, the vacancy rate would be 8.9%. Which we cannot be satisfied with, he adds. According to him, the town hall services meet more than 80 operators per year.
There is a dynamic, he says. but, the historic city center has many very small cells, hence a certain difficulty in recommercialization, because new commercial concepts would require larger spaces or reserves for example
Didier Le Bougeant
Assistant to the shops and city center of Rennes
In Nantes, the commercial vacancy rate in the city center is 5.3%, compared to 6% over the first two quarters of the year according to the town hall and the CCI of Nantes-Saint-Nazaire, which added in a press release that the average vacancy in metropolitan areas in France stands at 9.6%.
## Empty Shops: Is Rennes Facing a Retail Apocalypse?
**World-Today-News.com** sat down with **Pierre Dupont**, an expert in urban planning and retail advancement, to discuss the alarming rise in empty businesses in Rennes.
**World-Today-News.com:** Rennes is experiencing a record high vacancy rate for businesses,reaching 10.7% according to Audiar’s latest reports. This is considerably higher than the national average. What factors are contributing to this troubling trend?
**Pierre Dupont:** This is a complex issue with several contributing factors. We’re seeing a shift in consumer habits, with the rise of e-commerce significantly impacting traditional brick-and-mortar stores. The convenience and often lower prices offered online are drawing consumers away from physical shops.
**World-Today-News.com:** Is it simply the impact of online shopping, or are there other reasons behind this phenomenon?
**Pierre Dupont:** Absolutely. We’re also seeing a crisis in the clothing sector specifically. Many traditional high street retailers are struggling to compete with fast-fashion brands and online giants. This is leading to closures and contributing to the high vacancy rates we see in Rennes.
**World-Today-News.com:** 231 premises were recorded as for sale or rent in Rennes city center last April. What are the potential consequences of so many empty storefronts for the city?
**Pierre Dupont:** Empty storefronts create a sense of decline and can deter both residents and tourists. it impacts the vibrancy and attractiveness of the city center, perhaps leading to a downward spiral of further closures and decreased foot traffic.
**World-today-News.com:** What can be done to address this issue?
**Pierre Dupont:** Cities need to adapt and evolve. Encouraging a diverse mix of businesses, investing in public spaces, and promoting events and activities that attract foot traffic are crucial steps.
Rennes could also explore innovative solutions like pop-up stores, shared retail spaces, and initiatives that support local entrepreneurs and small businesses.
**world-Today-News.com:** Are there any prosperous examples of cities that have effectively tackled similar challenges?
**Pierre Dupont:** Yes, cities like Amsterdam and Copenhagen have successfully implemented policies that revitalize their city centers, attracting visitors and supporting local businesses. They’ve focused on creating vibrant public spaces, encouraging pedestrian traffic, and promoting a mix of retail, cultural, and residential offerings.
**World-Today-News.com:** What is your outlook for the future of retail in Rennes?
**Pierre Dupont:** The future of retail is evolving. Rennes needs to embrace change, adapt to new consumer habits, and create a dynamic and diverse city center that caters to the needs of both residents and visitors. This requires a collaborative effort from local government, businesses, and residents to ensure the continued vitality of the city.
