Andorra Retail Leaders Discuss Globalisation at CCIS, Inspired by Casa Cintet Book

Leaders from Andorra's historic retail sector gathered at a CCIS roundtable on Monday to discuss adapting to globalisation's challenges, drawing parallels with the perseverance of early merchants featured in a new book on Casa Cintet.

The Andorran Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services (CCIS) organised the event alongside the launch of *Casa Cintet, del comerç* by Daniel Fité, which examines archives from 1854 to 1945 detailing how the pioneering business sourced products for visitors despite major obstacles. CCIS president Josep Maria Mas described the publication as a key resource, noting it highlights strategies used to serve customers and underscoring the "perseverance" of past traders. He challenged the notion that earlier eras were simpler, pointing out they faced greater bureaucratic barriers, such as import quotas on sugar, liquor and tobacco imposed by neighbouring countries' authorities due to differing political systems.

Mas contrasted these hurdles with today's intensified competition following economic liberalisation since 2012, calling for heightened agility in response to globalisation, which he described as a significant difficulty for the sector. The discussion, moderated by journalist Quim Barceló, featured four panellists representing longstanding businesses: Jordi Marquet, founder of Marquet Gourmeterie; Ton Armengol, founder of Casa dels Tabacs; Susanna Roca, general director of Maison Roca-Granja Roca Grup; and Cristina Palmitjavila, managing director of Grup Quars.

Participants emphasised adaptability as essential to survival. Palmitjavila recounted her company's shift from electronics—once a mainstay—to fashion and services as consumer demands changed, stressing the need to stay ahead of market trends. Roca outlined her family's evolution from 1940s yoghurt production and food sales through electronics to current jewellery operations, observing that modern buyers often arrive demanding instant replicas of items seen on social media, such as those worn by celebrities like Bad Bunny. She advocated creating distinctive brands, adding that visibility on networks is now crucial: if products aren't seen online, they seem not to exist.

Marquet expressed concern over diminishing uniqueness, stating he finds more identity in Casa Cintet's legacy than in contemporary trade, which has incorporated too many external elements. Armengol highlighted the homogenisation of Andorra's shopping streets, likening them to those in Paris, Madrid or Rome, and recalled 1970s crowds drawn by exclusive international tobacco brands unavailable elsewhere.

The group acknowledged government initiatives to attract premium tourism but prioritised internal improvements. Marquet cited retailer Paco Saludes, who said quality offerings are needed to draw quality visitors. Mas positioned the book as a mirror for today's challenges, showing how historical resilience can guide responses to shortages and shifts.