When you think of shopping, which cities spring to mind first? London? Milan? Paris? What about Barcelona? The Spanish city – and Spain as a whole – is fast becoming one of Europe’s best shopping destinations. Keep reading to find out why…
Of course, Spain has sun, beaches, mountains, an easy lifestyle and great wine and cuisine. But you may be surprised to learn that the country is also one of the best places in Europe for shopping. According to a recent report by Global Blue [1], Spain ranks third in the retail sector rankings, just behind France and Italy.
Along with Madrid, Barcelona is leading the way. Catalonia’s capital city has long been the centre of innovative fashion design in Spain, and the luxury market – which accounts for 55% of sales [2] – is driving the growth.
South American buyers are the main group to head to Spain for high-end fashion, mostly from Argentina and Mexico. Their average spend is a more than decent €900. The Chinese, customers from the Gulf States and the US are also flocking to Spain for luxury goods, prompting the general manager of Global Blue Spain to suggest that Spain should continue to increase its upmarket retail sector and also five-star hotels [2].
For those of us who do not fall into the category of luxury goods customers, Spain also has an excellent range of more affordable fashion and consumer goods. Let’s look at what’s on offer and where you can find it:
Home comforts
Whether you’re moving into your new Spanish home or you just feel like a refresh, you will need to go “home” shopping. The retail market in Spain is ideal and you can find everything you need from budget stores to designer brands. IKEA has stores in all major cities and JYSK is a Scandanavian newcomer also found in smaller towns. Many Spanish stores sell specific products, such as beds and bedding or sofas and chairs, and the French brand Maisons du Monde is located in large towns and cities.
Kare Design is based in Barcelona and has a wide range of furniture and accessories. Head to Andreu World for wooden furniture or to Kettal, one of Spain’s best-known home brands for individual, functional designs. Looking for outdoor furniture? Take a look at Point’s catalogue. Carefully made rattan furniture and models combining rattan with other materials, this Spanish company has been producing furniture in Alicante since 1920.
JYSK homeware stores can be found in many Spanish towns (image: Solarisys / Shutterstock.com)
Mid-range fashion
You may already know some of Spain’s high street brands – Zara, Massimo Dutti, Mango and Stradivarious to name a few – but there are many more to discover. For example, Loewe is Spanish, as is Desigual, Bimba y Lola, Pepe Jeans and Adolfo Domínguez.
Almost every Spanish city and large town will have some, if not all, of these brands and they represent good value for money. At the cheaper end, fashion is up to date and attracts a younger clientele with very competitive pricing. The more expensive brands offer well-made garments at a reasonable cost and this is where you will find that one-off item you need for a wedding or other important event. Massimo Dutti is a minimalist, quite traditional brand, concentrating on quality fabrics and classic design, while Bimba y Lola offers clothes that are fun, creative and elegant. There is something for everyone in Spain’s fashion brands.
The same goes for men’s fashion. Armand Bassi and Man 24 are two brands you may not already know. Bassi is high quality and Man 24 offers comfortable, practical clothes with a modern signature.
Children’s playthings
The Spanish cater brilliantly for children’s clothes and toys. All the high street brands have children’s clothes, including Mango, Zara and H&M. However, some top Spanish childrenswear companies are worth checking out, such as Babybol, Mayoral, Carmy and Wawaland. Each brand has its particular style, and the clothes are made to survive the rough and tumble.
When it comes to toys, Spanish toy shops are like an Aladdin’s Cave. As well as the international brands we all know, look for Babyclic, Famosa (for dolls), Comansi (for educational toys and puzzles), Jugetes Cayro (for toys) and Vitaray (for adventure games).
Markets and secondhand outlets
Some Spanish markets are better than others, but the larger markets sell practically everything you could need, from a teaspoon to a suitcase, a skirt to summer sandals and towels to rugs. Prices are not always cheap, though, and it pays to check local shop prices before buying at the market.
Artisan markets are held in the summer and are definitely worth visiting for that one-off pair of earrings or silk scarf, fine pottery, bags, wallets and handmade wooden toys.
Although Spain is not awash with secondhand shops, you will find them in back streets or, more prominently, in the guise of charity shops. They vary in size and therefore the amount of goods on display, but are an excellent source of household items, clothes for the whole family, books, music, antiques and vintage and contemporary items. Prices are generally low, but furniture can be surprisingly expensive. The dealers arrive early – which means so should you if you want to bag the best buys. You will also need to visit the larger shops regularly, as they have a quick turnover.
There’s every reason to go shopping in Spain, especially if you’re looking for Spanish brands, whether inexpensive or luxury. The way things are going, Spain, which is already in the top three countries for international shoppers, may move to number two and overtake Italy.
Sources:
[1]: Global Blue Releases the Monthly Tax Free Shopping Business Update for January 2024
[2]: ! Spanish News Today – Spain: A Leading Shopping Destination For International Tourists
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