A fifth fewer shops in the center of Amsterdam due to corona crisis | Inland

There are 36 shops in the city center less than a year ago. In total, 59 companies in this area went bankrupt in 2020, an increase of almost 11 percent compared to the previous year, according to the association of entrepreneurs. Unemployment rose in the city center from 4.1 percent in 2019 to 6.1 percent in 2020. Nevertheless, 90 percent of entrepreneurs are highly motivated to do everything they can to get through the corona crisis.

The number of hotel nights in the center of Amsterdam decreased by 75 percent in the period from March last year to September. Use of public transport dropped by 86 percent at its lowest point in April.

‘Place for small entrepreneurs’

The association of entrepreneurs has come up with a number of short-term wishes. For example, she asks the municipality to ease the burden by broadening the rules and lowering rents and taxes. She also argues for a more varied range of companies, partly to give the visitor economy a different character as desired. Smaller entrepreneurs should also be given a place in this. “If the type of tourist changes, the companies will go along with that movement,” the report says. “Many entrepreneurs argue that the focus should be on Amsterdam and Dutch customers.”

Furthermore, the entrepreneurs want it to be safer and cleaner on the street. Despite the silence, entrepreneurs complained about dirty streets, just like in previous years.

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