‘It’s in the national interest’: Abigail Agius Mamo calls for action to save Valletta’s traditional shops

Business consultant and former Chamber of SMEs CEO Abigail Agius Mamo said it is in the national interest for the Government to do more to protect Valletta’s traditional shops from closing down.

Speaking on the WhosWho Talks podcast, Ms Agius Mamo argued that small, independently owned shops give towns a unique character and vibrancy that tourists seek out.

“It’s not just an in-and-out. Visiting a corner shop and having a chat with the person behind the counter is a whole experience,” she said.

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Several small Valletta shops, including some which have been open for decades, have closed down in recent years. 

Ms Agius Mamo said that the closure of these shops should be viewed as a missed opportunity for Malta and urged the Government to do more to protect the remaining ones.

‘Government can help them update their signage and improve their visibility, including on the digital front, since they’re competing with brands that are extremely aggressive,” she said.

“It’s not just about giving them a helping hand. It’s in the national interest for these shops to remain in business, because if we lose them, when will they come back?”

“There are some new independent shops, such as a leather retailer, but the numbers are very small. These shops add so much value and it’s a big loss for Malta when they close down.”

You can watch the full podcast below.