However, Kyriakos Ambizas, President of the Larnaca-Famagusta shop-keepers association, noted that are concerns about the near future, among local business owners, due to international developments, such as the energy crisis.

“Even though the shops opened in the summer, the concern of the shopkeepers is the autumn but mainly the winter, due to the energy crisis that affects and will continue to affect several European countries. After the shock in the city-centre businesses, caused by the opening of the (Larnaca) Mall, people are returning to the traditional commercial centre of the city,” Abizas said.

He added that there is potential for further improvement of the area, particularly following the Municipality’s announcement of various development projects, such as roads that will connect the centre with the coast of Foinikoudes.

Ambizas noted that although the projects will benefit the area in the long-term, there will be a short-term impact on the shops, as it will be necessary to close the roads, restricting access to shopfronts.

“Generally speaking, things are difficult, and the prospects for the near future are not good. We hope that international developments will conclude positively so that the situation in the commercial sector, among others, will improve,” Abizas said.

Source: In-Cyprus