SHOP IN BARCELONA GUIDE
Shopping basics
Don’t forget your passport or EU identification card if you’re planning on paying with plastic - an official photo ID must be produced, even if your credit card has your photo on it. Note that AMEX and cards other than VISA and MasterCard are often not accepted.
Discounts
Don’t be shy about discretely asking if the store will offer a discount if you pay in cash. At worst, you’ll get a bit of attitude – nothing compared to what you’ll encounter on a Saturday night at DBoy - but your cheek could pay off handsomely as several shops are quite happy to knock off 10-15%.
Visitors from outside the EU can reclaim the 18% VAT on many purchases when the value of a single transaction is over EUR 90. The tax must be paid in the shop but will then be refunded in the airport on departure upon presentation of the correct forms. Enquire in-store about details.
Sales season
January sales start later in Spain than elsewhere as the main gift-giving day is at Epiphany on January 6 rather than Christmas. However, there’s absolutely no rush to get rid of last season’s stock – unsold merchandise is more likely to reappear on shelves the following year than being offered at rock bottom prices. So sales will start with a yawn-inducing 20-30% off, and then drag on anaemically until the end of February with discounts gradually creeping up to 50%. The uninspiring spectacle is then repeated in August and September.
Shopping hours
Shops usually open for business at a leisurely 10:30 or 11 in the morning, only to close again for lunch around 13:30-14. After a little siesta they then reopen at 16:30-17 until 20:30-21. The exception is the main shopping arteries like Passeig de Gràcia and Portal del Àngel where shops typically stay open throughout the day. Stores are closed on Sundays (except in December and on special holidays), so if you’re only visiting for the weekend then get your shopping done by Saturday.
Where to shop
Look at our overview of Barcelona's shopping areas and districts for more information on this. Also check out our directory of our favourite shops in Barcelona.
What to buy in Barcelona
International designer labels are generally slightly more expensive in Spain than abroad, but there are savings to be had on upscale domestic brands such as classic luxury maker Loewe, contemporary menswear designers Adolfo Dominguez and Antonio Miró, or more youthful labels like Custo, Desigual and Camper. Visitors often stock up on Spanish fast (and disposable) fashion from the likes of Zara, Massimo Dutti and Pull & Bear, but internationalization has meant that prices and selections are now broadly the same as anywhere else. Instead get yourself a pair of cool kicks from Munich which can be hard to find abroad.
What to bring home
For those who can bring food stuff home (Americans can’t), Spanish ham is a must. Load up on jamón serrano (bellota is the higher quality, curado the cheaper variety) at a local market like La Boqueria, a specialist like Jamonísimo, or even at a supermarket (most will have an in-store butcher). Other typical gastronomic delights include salchichon and chorizo (spicy sausage), olive-based products, canned seafood, and pretty chocolate from local makers Xocoa or Cacao Sampaka whose packaging is as inviting as the product itself.
For non-foods, espadrilles are sure-fire hits, whether they’re the luxury version from Castañer or the artisan bargains from La Manuel Alpargateria. For something more unusual, stop by El Ingenio.
