According to a study conducted by SumUp, which analyzes cities where independent businesses thrive best, Lille comes in just behind Marseille in the ranking of the most favorable French metropolitan areas for starting a business.
Lille, a fertile ground for independent businesses
With an overall score of 61.66, Lille claims the second national spot, ahead of Nantes. The study focused on the number of independent businesses per 10,000 inhabitants across several key sectors: dining, beauty, cafés, and second-hand shops. And the Lille metropolis shows particularly strong numbers.
For instance, there are 38 restaurants per 10,000 residents, 20 cafés and bars, and also 27 hair salons. The beauty salons closely follow with 20 establishments, while the vintage and second-hand shops are well represented too, boasting 27 stores per 10,000 residents. These numbers really showcase the local entrepreneurial spirit and the Lille residents' love for neighborhood businesses.
Cafés, restaurants, and second-hand: the booming sectors
Some sectors really stand out in the study. The restaurants lead the pack with more than 38 establishments per 10,000 residents, proving that Lille's culinary scene is particularly vibrant!
The cafés and bars, deeply rooted in the local culture, also show a strong presence with 20.21 establishments for every 10,000 residents. This number places Lille among the most active cities in France in this area.
Another interesting signal: the popularity of vintage and second-hand shops, which account for 27 stores for every 10,000 residents. This trend reflects the rise of the second-hand market and more responsible shopping.
Paris far behind in the ranking
More surprising: Paris ranks second to last among the major metropolises studied. While the capital obviously has a very large number of stores, the massive presence of chains and franchises reduces the spotlight on independent shops in the rankings. In contrast, cities like Lille, Marseille, and Nantes provide a more favorable environment for entrepreneurs looking to open small-scale businesses.
A city where entrepreneurship remains accessible
With over 1.1 million businesses created in France last year, the question of entrepreneurship...location is becoming strategic for future entrepreneurs. With its dense commercial fabric, lively neighborhoods, and a large student population, Lille confirms that it remains a particularly attractive city to launch an independent business.
Study conducted by SumUp