Andorra Celebrates Third Festa del Comerç with Awards for Retail Excellence

Around 150 representatives from Andorran institutions, trade associations, and retail professionals gathered at UNNIC for the third Festa del Comerç, an event sponsored by Morabanc that promotes sector cohesion through awards, networking, and collaboration opportunities.

A jury of 12 institutional and industry figures selected winners across seven categories, with trophies designed by artist Ingrid Román using recycled materials and sustainable European wood. Grans Magatzems Pyrénées took the best Christmas window display award for its coordinated facade, interior decor, and packaging. Hugo Pa earned recognition as the most sustainable shop, highlighting artisanal bread production with local ingredients, natural materials, zero-waste practices, and responsible consumption. Viladomat won the Morabanc prize for best digital management, praised for its integrated website, social media, and content strategy fostering community engagement around sports values. The Shop-In Andorra fashion show received the best business project or initiative award for its innovative staging, music, and role in boosting commercial and cultural activity. Experience VR claimed the most creative and innovative proposal prize for its cable-free virtual reality arena tailored to families and groups with cooperative adventure games. Commençal Village in La Massana secured the best shop in the Principat award for combining sales, workshops, rentals, dining, and events into an immersive outdoor experience. Pere Besolí Solé, founder with Enric Palmitjavila of Perfumeries Gala and Olympia Esports, received the lifetime achievement honour for pioneering self-service perfumery and advancing retail modernisation.

Josep Maria Mas, president of the Andorran Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services, underscored the sector's nearly 16% GDP contribution as a strategic driver of economic growth. He spotlighted public-private efforts like the Commerce Observatory and online training capsules, soon available via the Chamber's portal, developed with the Ministry of Tourism and Commerce and Andorra Turisme.

Mas minimised disruptions from weather-related border closures at Pas de la Casa, noting their limited scope mainly hit French ski visitors and slopes, not general retail. He cited strong turnout at Neufest as evidence of resilience, with ski gear shops and snow-linked hospitality thriving on diverse offerings, quality, and Andorra's winter draw.

The evening included a talk by Infonomia founder Alfons Cornella on delivering value in commerce. Ministers Conxita Marsol and Jordi Torres attended alongside communal leaders Xavier Fernàndez, Eva Sansa, and Sergi González.