Background on Roberto Esquivel Ruiseco and His Relevance
Roberto Esquivel Ruiseco, the vice president of the Red Mexicana de Franquicias, is a prominent figure in the franchise industry. His organization represents approximately 1,800 franchises across Mexico, with half of them situated in Puebla’s Historic Center. Esquivel Ruiseco’s insights are crucial for understanding the potential impact of recent events on local businesses.
Ambulante Removal and Its Positive Impact on Businesses
Following the prohibition of street vendors in Puebla’s Historic Center, Esquivel Ruiseco highlighted that business sales in the area could potentially increase by 30%. The removal of these informal vendors, who had been present for the past three weeks, is expected to boost customer traffic and sales, particularly during summer vacations and back-to-school season.
Historical Context of Informal Vendors in the Historic Center
For the past five years, informal vendors have been a persistent issue in Puebla’s Historic Center. These vendors have contributed to decreased customer footfall in the area, negatively affecting local businesses. Esquivel Ruiseco emphasized that the recent action by authorities to remove these vendors is a positive step towards revitalizing the commercial sector.
Impact of Informal Vendors During the COVID-19 Pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses in Puebla’s Historic Center were forced to close, resulting in a 70% loss of sales. Although these establishments eventually reopened, they faced significant challenges in recovering economically. The presence of informal vendors outside their businesses further exacerbated the situation, as authorities failed to address the issue.
Current State of Franchises in the Historic Center
Of the 1,800 franchises represented by Esquivel Ruiseco’s organization, 900 are located in Puebla’s Historic Center. These franchises have been adversely affected by the influx of informal vendors, which has hampered their growth and profitability.
Financing Needs for Franchises
Esquivel Ruiseco pointed out that franchises require financial support to expand their operations and create more job opportunities. He urged local authorities to organize more registration drives to encourage new franchise establishments in the area.
Current Employment Levels
Esquivel Ruiseco mentioned that, currently, franchises are operating at approximately 70% capacity. This level of operation is deemed sufficient for the present, and full staffing is expected by 2026.
Importance of Preventing Informal Vendors’ Return
To ensure the continued success of established businesses in Puebla’s Historic Center, Esquivel Ruiseco stressed the necessity of preventing informal vendors from returning. He suggested that authorities should allocate spaces for these vendors on the outskirts of Angelópolis, allowing them to conduct their activities without disrupting the thriving commercial sector.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Red Mexicana de Franquicias? It is an organization representing approximately 1,800 franchises across Mexico, including those in Puebla’s Historic Center.
- How many franchises are located in Puebla’s Historic Center? Half of the 1,800 franchises, which is around 900, are situated in this area.
- What challenges have informal vendors posed to businesses in the Historic Center? Informal vendors have contributed to decreased customer traffic and negatively affected local businesses for the past five years.
- What impact did the COVID-19 pandemic have on franchises in Puebla’s Historic Center? The pandemic led to a 70% loss in sales as many businesses were forced to close. Although they reopened, economic recovery has been challenging due to ongoing issues with informal vendors.
- What support do franchises require to thrive? Franchises need financial assistance for expansion and job creation. Authorities should encourage new franchise registrations through more registration drives.
- At what capacity are current franchise operations? Franchises are currently operating at about 70% capacity, with plans to reach full staffing by 2026.
- Why is it important to prevent informal vendors’ return? To safeguard the progress of established businesses in Puebla’s Historic Center, informal vendors should be relocated to peripheral areas of Angelópolis.
