Within the framework of Barcelona's European Capital of Local Commerce
The Saló del Comerç is born to strengthen the competitiveness of local commerce
On 21 and 22 October, Montjuïc will host the new Saló del Comerç, created within the framework of the European Capital of Local Commerce 2026. The event promoted by Barcelona City Council through Barcelona Activa aims to offer a professional space for the sector with opportunities for advice, innovative tools and activities aimed at tackling the main challenges of the commercial fabric, such as digitalisation, new consumption habits and the guarantee of a generational change.
Organised by Fira de Barcelona, the Saló del Comerç is designed as a useful platform to share experiences, learn about new tools and generate other forms of growth and collaboration. On the one hand, it is aimed at traders looking to consolidate or grow their businesses, adapt to market changes and find solutions for their daily lives. On the other hand, professionals, entrepreneurs or job seekers interested in starting projects or developing their career in the commercial field.
The Deputy Mayor for Economic Promotion and Employment of Barcelona City Council and president of Barcelona Activa, Raquel Gil, points out that “the new show aims to respond to the challenges of the commercial fabric, with practical knowledge, advisory spaces and activities aimed at improving the competitiveness of establishments, promoting generational change and connecting companies with talent and new opportunities”.
Knowledge, experience and advice
The show will occupy almost 1,500 m² and will be organised into four main areas that integrate knowledge, advice and networking, with proposals applicable to the daily life of the sector.
The central space, “La Plaça”, will host short sessions with real cases and practical content on sales, digitalisation, consumer trends and improving competitiveness. This stage will function as a meeting point and showcase for the sector, with traders sharing first-hand experiences. It will also host different events linked to the European Capital of Local Commerce in Barcelona 2026.
The Advisory and Sectoral Entities area will offer personalized attention with specialists in marketing, financing, contracting and digital tools. Different entities will be present there that will provide attendees with resources and information to support local commerce.
The Generational Change Area will include a specific service to facilitate the transfer of business and ensure business continuity.
Finally, “El Taller” will offer intensive training sessions in small groups of professionals in the sector to deepen their knowledge of sales strategies, digitalization, team management and market adaptation, with the participation of leading organizations.
Project built from the sector
In addition to Barcelona City Council, the show has the participation of institutions such as the Barcelona Provincial Council, the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce, the Barcelona Metropolitan Area (AMB), the Government of the Generalitat de Catalunya and the European Commission.
The main representative organisations of the sector have joined the project, such as Barcelona Comerç, Barcelona Oberta, the Association of Traders and Traders of Catalonia (ABC), the Association of Commercial Agents of Barcelona (COACB), Comertia, the Council of Trade, Services and Tourism Guilds, the Federation of Municipal Markets of Barcelona, Foment del Treball, Pimec, the Barcelona Hotel Guild, the Barcelona Restaurant Guild and the National Association of Large Distribution Companies (ANGED). All of them will contribute to the content and dissemination of the initiative among their groups.
The project is also linked to the city’s territorial network, with the active participation of the commercial hubs, which will provide real experiences and help to mobilise the commercial fabric as a whole.
Synergy with the world of work
The show will be free of charge with prior online registration and will be held in Hall 8 of the Montjuïc exhibition centre, together with the Job Fair. This coincidence makes it possible to strengthen the role of commerce as a driver of job creation and as a space for professional opportunities, both in the workplace and in self-employment.
Local commerce continues to be a key sector for the generation of employment in various profiles and an ideal environment to start or take on operating businesses. The simultaneous celebration of both shows facilitates the connection between the labor needs of the commercial fabric and the existing supply of talent and professionals.
European Capital of Local Commerce
The Trade Show is part of Barcelona’s designation as the European Capital of Local Commerce during 2026, a recognition by the European Union of its business model, capacity for innovation and the sector’s contribution to urban life.
With a weight of 13.2% of GDP, more than 60,000 establishments and more than 152,000 employees, commerce is one of the pillars of the city’s economy. In addition to its economic impact, it contributes to social cohesion, improves public space and strengthens life in the neighbourhoods.
With this new event, this year the offer of events linked to the real economy and the transformation of productive sectors is expanded, focusing on local commerce as a key element for urban development.
Barcelona, October 1, 2026
Josep Lluís Mérida / Maria Dolors Herranz
Tel. 93 233 2114 – 2541
[email protected]
[email protected]