Falkenberg Honored as Årets Handelskommun 2025 for Trade-Driven Growth

Falkenberg was recently named Årets Handelskommun 2025 by Svensk Handel, a prestigious award recognizing municipalities that excel in enhancing trade conditions. The jury, led by former Minister of Trade Maud Olofsson, commended Falkenberg for its strategic integration of commerce as a core element driving both urban and rural development within the municipality. The award highlighted Falkenberg’s holistic approach to trade, emphasizing its significant role in job creation and the local economy.

Per Svensson, chairman of Falkenberg's municipal council, remarked that trade not only creates employment across the entire region but also deeply impacts residents’ work and leisure activities. Emma Carlström, the municipality's business development manager, stressed the importance of maintaining continuous dialogue with businesses—ranging from large stores to small historic shops and innovative e-commerce—as essential to shaping effective and sustainable trade strategies.

Among three finalists—Kalmar, Östersund, and Falkenberg—the latter stood out for its proactive efforts to embed trade considerations into community planning. The jury recommended other municipalities aiming to strengthen their trade environments to foster ongoing communication with trade entities, thoroughly understand their needs for sustainable decision-making, and integrate trade perspectives early in urban development processes.

This recognition underscores Falkenberg's role as a model for leveraging commerce to boost local growth and community vitality, setting practical examples for other municipalities across Sweden.