The Centro Comercial Abierto (CCA) in Vélez-Málaga is not having the best of times at the moment with around one-third of the 300 premises being closed.
Streets such as calle Luis de Rute and calle Joaquín Lobato have seen businesses closing since the decision to move the courts in the town. In other streets, as many as 80% of the business premises are now closed.
The moving of the courts to the new Palace of Justice, depopulation of certain areas, parking difficulties, poorly maintained roads and inflexibility by some employers regarding opening hours are some of the factors which have led to the current worrying situation.
As intended competition to the El Ingenio Commercial Centre the Centro Comercial Abierto appears to have failed and attempts to attract new and large franchises to the area have not been successful.
To combat the situation and attract customers and businesses, the Asociación de Comerciantes y Empresarios de Vélez (ACEV) is studying various initiatives, such as having their own website, introducing loyalty cards and even offering tickets for free parking.