Expert advice how to perfect a window display – Barcelona report.
18-10-2005
‘Windows of Opportunity’
Barcelona
This is a city where mega shopping malls co-exist with tiny neighbourhood shops trading in specialities, no big supermarket chains wanting to take over, which was a breath of fresh air to see that the traditional shops are alive and thriving alongside the Mango’s and Zara’s.
Where other cities have lost out to impersonal consumer trends the Barcelona shopping experience has become a fantastic visual journey of old and new.
Even when you go into the pharmacist they still wrap everything no matter how small in blue and white tissue, presentation matters here.
Barcelona’s shops provide key insists into the personality of each district from designer chic to art student retro there is something for everyone.
Barri Gothic:
For one of a kind purchase nothing beats this area, crammed with speciality shops, and some of the oldest buildings in Barcelona leading onto the Rambla, the London equivalent of Oxford St and Soho.
Born:
Still has plenty of speciality shops but, it is increasingly dominated by almost daily influx of new fashion boutiques which are cutting edge or innovative. (Covent Garden)
Raval:
Home to pricy designer cafes, boutiques, and second hand retro scene – nouvelle chic
(Carnaby Street & Kingly Court)
Exiample:
The designer drenched Bond Street; the boutiques are the habitat of the beautiful people, although High Street names Mango and Zara have flag ship stores here.
Gracia:
Further up the hill things are more village like with independent stores, gallery’s and design studios similar to Marylebone High Street & Hampstead Village.
Shopping Tips:
- Most shops will gift wrap things for free
- Be careful with your money, pay with credit cards if you can and don’t take out more cash then you need. Barcelona is notorious for pick pockets.
- Shops will not accept traveller’s cheques & many retailers want to see your passport when you pay with credit/debit cards.
- Most shops offer alterations on clothes – as all trousers are mysteriously long in the leg! considering Spanish women are petit, it’s a mystery to me!.
- Try before you buy – attempts to return or exchange items may be difficult.
- All shops close on Sundays and some during 2-4pm for a well deserved siesta.
- Local shopping is very much a social activity – speed is not of the essence here!, learn a few words in Catalan as this can go a long way in being treated not so much as a tourist.
- Best buys are leather, but do check the prices.
- Barcelona airport has some amazing shops from La Perla to Zara.
- If you are flying with Easy Jet, you now can take even more hand luggage allowance – which means more room for shopping!
Written by Paula Arkell Retail Consultant
