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Gipuzkoa Merkatariak advocates for local commerce

The federation emphasizes the strategic role of small businesses and calls for institutional support and conscious consumption.

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The Gipuzkoa Merkatariak Federation held its General Assembly this Sunday at the Hotel María Cristina in Donostia, a key meeting to analyze the situation of commerce in Gipuzkoa and advocate for its strategic importance.

During the event, the Federation's president, Estíbaliz Tello, highlighted the significance of small businesses as an "economic and social engine" for Gipuzkoa. She warned about the difficulties faced by many self-employed individuals and small companies due to rising costs, tax pressure, and unequal competition from large international platforms, stating that "many self-employed and small business owners are not living, they are surviving".
Tello also urged for "collective responsibility" and "conscious consumption," emphasizing that proximity commerce not only generates economic activity but also "maintains the identity and life of towns and cities." "When a shop disappears, a street loses part of its essence," she declared, criticizing that "we want local commerce, but we feed models that destroy it."
A notable moment was the recognition of seven new establishments joining the Singular Dendak program, an initiative developed with the Economic Promotion Department of the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa. This program aims to strengthen businesses known for their unique identity and ability to offer distinct experiences. The network currently includes 252 affiliated establishments in Gipuzkoa.
The Assembly also paid tribute to historic businesses with over fifty years of operation. Honorees included Arteaga Harategia (50 years), Mentxu y Yone (half a century), Alimentación Verde (51 years), and Basoko Muebles (90 years). It was emphasized that "behind every long-standing business, there is more than just years of activity: there is a part of Gipuzkoa's living history."
Institutional representatives present included the Mayor of Donostia, Jon Insausti; the Deputy for Economic Promotion, Unai Andueza; the Vice-Minister of Tourism and Commerce of the Basque Government, Jakes Aguirrezabal; the Director of Environment of the Provincial Council, Gloria Vázquez; the Deputy Mayor of Hondarribia, Estitxu Urtizberea; and the Councillor for Economic Development of Lazkao, Josetxo Sesé. The Federation reiterated its commitment to collaborative work to place local commerce at the center of territorial economic and social policies.

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