The article discusses the Historical Shops Program in Lisbon, initiated in 2017 under mayoral pressure and later extended to other cities in Portugal. The program aims to recognise and protect establishments with local historical, cultural, or social significance. A study analysed 145 retail units in Lisbon, with most established before WWI, using legislation, regulations, and interviews as information sources. The evolution of public policy in the retail sector has shifted from regulatory to competitive policies, focusing on strengthening city competitiveness and supporting retail modernisation.
The importance of community embeddedness is highlighted, emphasising the role of local relationships in countering globalisation. Unique historical shops attract both local shoppers and tourists, with nostalgia and uniqueness contributing to their appeal. The article also explores the expansion of consumer society and the symbolic dimension of retail spaces, where consumers compose their identities through transactions and interactions with objects and places.
The changing retail landscape due to the economic weight of large players has led to policy differentiation between modernisation and the preservation of outdated models. The debate between liberals advocating for modernisation for price reductions and consumer choice and those concerned with fair access to all consumers is discussed. Overall, the article emphasizes the cultural, social, and economic significance of historical shops in urban environments and the need for policies that balance modernisation with the preservation of local heritage and community relationships.
