Does the ‘stone shop’ still have a future? Entrepreneurs think so, but only if municipalities deal more flexibly with permits for retail.
Bram van Beetz, chairman of VNO-NCW Drenthe, wants more flexible regulations for shops. “Allow them to combine their products with, for example, catering. You can’t always increase your income by raising prices. So broader functions, extension of opening hours, larger terraces.”
There are significant changes taking place in the retail landscape. Large chains are collapsing and small businesses with a unique offering are doing better and better. Who still remembers the soap opera surrounding the Sunday bread sale of baker Broodje van Eigen Deeg: a great success that had to stop because the municipality’s permit did not allow this. There are countless examples from the past year.
Should local regulations be relaxed? Respond to today’s statement below.