Municipal Police Action in Korça/Traders Oppose Removal of Goods from Facades: Unfair

2026-04-10 12:42:00, Sociale CNA

Around 50 clothing businesses in the area known as the "Macedonian Market" in the city of Korça have opposed an action taken by the Municipal Police, which has demanded the vacating of public spaces and the removal of goods displayed outside the store premises.

Municipal Police Action in Korça/Traders Oppose Removal of Goods from

The action took place the day before, and according to the traders themselves, it came unexpectedly, without any prior notice or official document to justify the intervention. This situation has caused great concern among the traders, who have been operating in this area for more than two decades and consider the display of goods outside as an essential element for the survival of their activity.

"We have been working in this business for over 20 years. We have paid all the dues, taxes, rent, everything. Now we are being asked to bring the goods inside without any warning and without any official paperwork. These are working days for us because of Easter. At this age, where will we go if we close the business? 25 years of work cannot be thrown away like this," says a trader.

Traders emphasize that the period in which this action was taken is one of the most important for their annual turnover, as the holidays bring more customers and increase sales. According to them, limiting the display of goods will directly affect their income, putting them in economic difficulties.

"They told us not to export anything anymore and they didn't give us any deadline. If we only work inside, what will we sell? Taxes and insurance are increasing, while we are becoming more and more limited. This situation forces us to seriously consider closing our activity or leaving Albania," said the trader.

Another concern raised by businesses is the lack of transparency and institutional communication. They claim that they have not been informed of any new decision or legal change prohibiting the display of goods outdoors, while emphasizing that until now they have operated under the same conditions without problems.

"I've been working here for 20 years. They came yesterday around 3:00 PM and told us that if we take goods out tomorrow we will be fined. This is unfair. If there is a decision, why isn't it given to us in writing? Why aren't we given time to adapt? This is how they force us to close our doors."

Municipal Police Action in Korça/Traders Oppose Removal of Goods from

The traders add that their activity is mainly carried out on secondary roads, where according to them the circulation of citizens or vehicles is not hindered. They express their willingness to respect any rule or legal obligation, including additional payments for advertising or space use, but demand that every decision be made in an orderly and communicated manner.

"We pay for everything. These are secondary roads, we don't occupy spaces that obstruct. If a fee is required for advertising, we are ready to pay it. But the municipal police cannot come without a warrant and without warning. There are about 50 businesses in this area. What are we going to do? Are we going to close them all?"

The Municipal Police announced that the action was taken within the framework of the implementation of the law on the release of public spaces, with the aim of regulating and organizing commercial areas in the city. According to this decision, businesses will be allowed to place up to three mannequins on the facade for advertising purposes, while any other exposure outside the store premises will not be permitted.

On the other hand, traders have approached the Municipality of Korça to seek clarification and to develop direct communication with local leaders regarding the situation, in an attempt to find a solution that balances law enforcement with the survival of their economic activity./CNA