Kouvola shops give way to studios, cafes and services

Kouvola’s city centre is losing shops as businesses focused on services and experiences move in, Yle reports. The shift reflects a broader change in what people seek from urban centres, a researcher and a new business owner say.

The number of shops in Kouvola’s centre fell by nearly 15 per cent between 2020 and 2025. In Seinäjoki, the decline exceeded 30 per cent. Over the same period, the number of offices, restaurants, cafes and other service businesses increased.

Specialty retailers are moving online or to other shopping locations, says Janne Viitamies, a researcher who studies the development of city centres and is currently working on the issue in Kouvola. Their former premises are being taken up by offices, cafes, restaurants, cultural services and other businesses.

Among Kouvola’s newest businesses are a comic museum and a ceramics studio. Artist Elisa Kotkamaa opened her Lysti ceramics studio in the city centre because it is easy for people to reach. She says the centre’s purpose has changed.

Viitamies says offices bring workers into the centre, where they eat and use local services, helping attract other businesses. Residents also come to meet people, whether by arrangement or by chance, and to be seen themselves.

A 2022 survey commissioned by the city found that residents wanted places to sit with friends in cafes and opportunities to have new experiences. Meanwhile, clothing shop Sadutar is leaving the city centre after 30 years.