Showcase Chronicles: What do the business surveys tell about downtown Budapest or how the number of shops in Budapest has changed since 2023.

The clear experience of BUM experts is that the collaborations and communities that have formed in the affected areas have significant retention power. Their surveys show that while between 2020 and 2022 an average of 25-30% of shops closed in Budapest, in BUM partner streets this rate was "only" 11%. In areas where there is active cooperation and readiness to share experiences and information, the entrepreneurial environment is also much less vulnerable. The survey was conducted by three female colleagues from the BUM management team, and we have now asked Gabriella Király, who has been strengthening the team since 2013, about the numerical results of the survey.

How many Budapest streets are being surveyed?

Previously, we had 10 partner streets or districts, but this changed in the second half of 2023 and now we can talk about 18 areas. They are: Bartók Béla Boulevard, University Square – Kecskeméti Street, Falk Art & Antique Street, Fashion Street, Hajós Street, Haris Market, Király Street, KultUnio, Liszt Ferenc Square, Lövőház Street, Margit Quarter, Palotanegyed, Pozsonyi Road, Ráday Soho, Rákóczi Square, Széll Kálmán Square, Tompa Street – Ferenc Square, I. district Víziváros.

How has the statistics on vacant commercial properties changed since 2023?

While the occupancy rate of shops improved by an average of 40% from 2023 to 2024, the rate is nearly 30% from 2024 to 2025. This rate can generally be considered good.

How can the research results be summarized?

In the past two years, we have observed a continuous increase, as in 2024 more and more shops opened with us, while nationwide more and more commercial units closed down. This is still evident, as the situation of vacant shops and their number has improved overall compared to last year. Naturally, there are parts of the city where this has changed visibly, and unfortunately, there are areas where the picture is not so positive (for example, Haris Market), but we hope that we can change this together through shared efforts. The long-term operation of shops does not show such a positive picture, as although commercial properties are not vacant, in certain areas they frequently change ownership (for example: Ráday Street, Rákóczi Square, University Square - Kecskeméti Street and Mikszáth Square - Krúdy Gyula Street). However, with a good entrepreneurial community and appropriate economic, municipal, and social environment, this can also be significantly improved. After all, if we feel good in a place, we are inclined to stay, but if not, we are more likely to move on.

Previously published articles:

You can read the first article HERE! BUM beginnings, or why the Budapest Chamber of Commerce and Industry decided in 2013 to establish the Shopping Street Management?

You can read our second article HERE! BUM behind the scenes: thematic streets provide a vibrant yet livable local environment

You can see the third article HERE! BUM: effective assistance for SMEs is the communication support we provide!

You can view the fourth article HERE! Kibérelem.hu: the largest offer of rental shops in Budapest

You can find the fifth article HERE! Everything revolves around the event, or what is one of BUM's most important activities?

You can read the sixth article HERE! SlowXmas in Budapest: dedication to culture, the arts, and slowing down

You can view the seventh article HERE! Shopping Street Management brief introduction

You can read the eighth article HERE! The role of Shopping Street Management in practice-oriented higher education - cooperation with Budapest Business School

You can find our ninth article HERE! The key to development is how we respond flexibly to changes

You can read our tenth article HERE! The celebration of creativity – the BUM Workshop Festival journey from idea to realization

You can find our eleventh article HERE! The data that is a treasure

You can find our twelfth article HERE! Shopping Streets in Győr as well, or: cooperation reloaded