Boutique stores could get more support under new proposal

Shanghai's commerce commission is working with other government departments to map out a plan to offer supportive measures to micro and small vendors and boutique shops in order to sustain their survival.

The aim of the three-year action plan, unveiled by the city’s commerce authority to promote Shanghai as a global shopping center, is to work with other government departments to preserve Shanghai style canteens, food vendors and small businesses, as well as local specialty stores.

“We want to protect small vendors and boutique stores with distinctively local specialties, while at the same time allowing the market to play a decisive role in allocating resources,” said Kong Fu'an, head of the department of commerce and trade administration at the Shanghai Commission of Commerce.

The flourishing of fast food chain stores and soaring rent in central commercial districts are squeezing out some stand-alone vendors or canteens.

Kong told Shanghai Daily that stand-alone boutique stores are facing challenges from chain stores on a global level, and many factors should be taken into consideration. They also need to blend in with the neighborhood's characteristics so that commercial facilities also become an indispensable part of urban renewal and people's everyday lives.

"Independent boutique stores reflect the long-standing history of a city and international metropoles like London and New York have seen the flourishing of boutique stores and vendors for decades," said Jiang Yiqing, chief editor of Shanghai Cultural Publishing House and also a local political adviser.

​The preservation of old streets and neighborhoods with rich historical legacy and cultural relics was also put forward by local political advisers. 

For example, the land resources bureau, market access authorities and food and drug safety watchdogs need to collaborate and sustain the development of micro and small size vendors and boutiques.

Shanghai's commerce commission is considering setting up designated areas or streets for certain kinds of specialty vendors or boutique stores that fit well with local residents’ daily lives and local traditions.

Stephanie Lo, executive director at Shui On Land and a local political adviser, also said in her proposal that a special area in the heart of the city should be allocated to protecting social legacies and historical sites, which would in turn add to the city's vibrancy.

It is still under discussion whether a protective list would be set up to offer subsidies or supportive measures for independent stores and micro and small vendors.