Fuengirola resident says “Shop local” as he watches local businesses decline

As the festive season approaches, local resident Shanna Hillebrand is sounding the alarm on the “silent death” of small businesses in Malaga province, where an estimated 3,872 family-run enterprises have shuttered over the past two years – that’s an average of five closures every single day. Hillebrand, a Costa del Sol resident, has made a passionate plea for her fellow residents to support their local shops and restaurants to stem the tide.

The Domino Effect on Our Communities

Hillebrand says that the impact of these shop closures goes far beyond their front doors, creating a “devastating cascade effect”. “They cannot compete with the buying power and sales volume that the retail giants have, and it could prove costly to the society as a a whole”, she warns. If a local company folds, this can result in job losses, decreased spending within the community, vacant store units, or even decreasing property values. Hillebrand says that the ripple effect is more severe on local foundations and associations as well as community events because struggling businesses have to reduce sponsorships. She explains that a negative domino affects many people and organizations.

But she thinks that even small changes can have a huge impact, especially when the holidays are in full swing. She asks local residents to allocate 10 to 20% of their budgets for local businesses. This would provide vital support for countless families. With Christmas on the horizon, her message is clear: prioritise buying foods, decorations, and gifts from neighbourhood shops, and book tables at family-run restaurants – locally. Every euro spent locally keeps family businesses alive and our neighbourhoods vibrant. This Christmas, shopping local isn’t just convenient – it’s essential,” she stresses.

Local economists echo the concerns of her, stating that supporting small business not only helps to maintain jobs, but also creates a stronger and more connected community. As Fuengirola prepares for the holidays, residents have a timely opportunity to turn the tide – one purchase at a time. Shoppers can ensure that their local community continues to thrive in the coming year by choosing locally this holiday season.