The award
The European Capitals of Small Retail (ECoSR) awards recognise cities that demonstrate outstanding commitment to supporting small retailers and strengthening vibrant city centres across Europe. The awards highlight cities with successful and innovative approaches to small retail revitalisation, the sector’s digital and green transitions, and entrepreneurial support and community engagement.
European Capitals of Small Retail 2026 are Barcelona (Spain), Caldas da Rainha (Portugal) and Silandro/Schlanders (Italy).
Discover the winning and finalist cities 2026
The winners of the second edition of the European Capitals of Small Retail (ECoSR) competition will be announced in Brussels in early 2027.
Three cities will be selected to hold the title of the European Capital of Small Retail 2027, representing different population categories.
- Vanguard City: between 5 000 and 50 000 inhabitants
- Vibrant City: between 50 000 and 250 000 inhabitants
- Visionary City: above 250 000 inhabitants
Their title year will begin in February 2027 and will mark a 12-month period of enhanced visibility, learning opportunities, and collaborative exchange.
What makes a winning city?
Winning cities demonstrate strong leadership, measurable impact, innovation, and a long-term commitment to strengthening small retail ecosystems.
They create thriving retail environments where entrepreneurship, sustainability, digitalisation, and community engagement work together.
Cities applying for the title need to demonstrate first of all excellent practices they have implemented in the 4 criteria of the competition
- Sustainability
- Entrepreneurship Support and Community Engagement
- Digitalisation
- City Attractiveness and Vitality
Secondly, shortlisted cities will be requested to prepare an outline of the programme of activities they would implement during 2027 if they won the title showing how they would spread their good practices and play a role model for other cities across Europe in supporting small retail.
Benefits for shortlisted cities
Cities that are shortlisted but not selected as winners will still receive important benefits, including
What happens after winning?
Winning cities become ambassadors of small retail excellence in Europe.
Throughout their title year, they will
