Video: @salodelcomerc, @barcelonactiva / IG

First-Edition Trade Fair Targets Key Business Challenges

The Saló del Comerç, a new trade fair dedicated to strengthening local commerce, will debut on Wednesday 21st October and Thursday 22nd October at Fira de Barcelona’s Montjuïc exhibition centre. Organised by Fira de Barcelona and promoted by Barcelona City Council through Barcelona Activa, the event is part of the city’s designation as European Capital of Local Commerce 2026. The two-day event will offer workshops, expert presentations, and networking opportunities focused on digitalisation, sales strategies, generational change in family-run businesses, and talent attraction. It aims to become a benchmark platform for shopkeepers, entrepreneurs, and professionals seeking to grow or launch ventures in the retail sector.

Over 50 Sessions and Practical Support

The fair will occupy nearly 1,500 m² in Hall 8 and be structured around four main zones integrating knowledge, advisory services, and networking. The central space, "La Plaça", will host short, practical sessions featuring real-life case studies on competitiveness, consumer trends, and digital tools. According to the Deputy Mayor for Economic Promotion and Employment, Raquel Gil, who is also president of Barcelona Activa, the event is designed to provide "practical knowledge, advisory spaces and activities" to improve shop performance, support generational transitions, and connect businesses with skilled candidates.

  • The Saló del Comerç is free to attend with prior online registration via Fira de Barcelona’s official website.
  • It runs in parallel with the Saló de l'Ocupació, which features over 160 job-seeking activities and more than 1,000 job offers from over 100 companies.
  • Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni is scheduled to visit, alongside Gil and senior officials from the Generalitat de Catalunya.
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.

The combined presence of both fairs underscores the role of local commerce as a driver of employment and professional development. The event also includes advisory areas where business owners can receive tailored support on regulatory, technological, and marketing issues affecting neighbourhood shops.

Primary sources: ajuntament.barcelona.cat. Reported by firabarcelona.com, viaempresa.cat, thenewbarcelonapost.com, barcelonactiva.cat, Europa Press.