Shopping in Spain
Shopping in Spain is one of the most intriguing activities. One can buy the most stylish and high quality goods, albeit not always the cheapest, at stores in Spain. The pride of the whole country relies on leather goods. Leather products follow one of the old time manufacturing traditions. And, of course the whole world has heard about Spanish design – this relates both to fashion and household.
Stores in Spain are usually open from 9:00AM (or 10:00 AM) until 1:00PM (2:00) and from 4:00PM (5:00) until 8:00PM, Monday through Saturday. Supermarkets and malls – from 9-10AM to 8-9PM, Monday through Saturday, without launch breaks. Markets are only open in the mornings. On Sundays all the stores in Spain are closed, except those located in resort areas.
Barcelona is the best city to satisfy your urges for shopping in Spain. The city is sometimes jokingly called "the biggest shop in Europe". The bulk of shops and boutiques is located on the Passeig de Gracia boulevard in the Eixample district. There are many brands of clothing and footwear, and the prices are above average. Prices are even higher at the neighboring shopping mall called Bulevard Rosa. Another huge mall is called Maremagnum, located in the Old port. The mall is famous for its ecologically clean cosmetics and perfume shops, as well as its shoe stores, accessories and apparel stores, souvenir shops, restaurants, cafes, and especially night clubs. The shopping street – Pelai, located near the Central University of Barcelona, is a student heaven, filled with relatively low cost shops. Seasonal sales are denoted with a "Rebajas" sign in the store fronts, meaning "On Sale".
Hypermarkets are usually taken outside the city boundaries. They are very easy to find using the Centro Comercial signs. The most popular commercial centers are Alcampo, Continente, and PRYCA. The largest shopping mall in Spain is called El Corte Ingles. The mall has facilities in all the big cities of Spain, as well as many regional centers.
People shopping in Spain are accustomed to paying for their purchases using cash or credit cards. Foreigners can also obtain a tax-free receipt for any purchase, except food and beverages, automobiles and pharmaceutical products.
Tourist tend to bring a wide variety Spanish souvenirs, for example:
- Bull figurines. Toro – translated from Spanish means "bull" – a perfect souvenir, which is also the symbol of Spain. Bull souvenirs can be both large and small, soft and hard, and made from various materials. In tourist areas these Spanish souvenirs can be bought just about anywhere.
- Castagnettes, that remind of the flamenco music rhythms. By the way, it is worth mentioning that Castagnettes are very good for reducing stress.
- Hand fans are probably the most important accessory for a Spanish woman. Spanish hand fans can be made from paper, plastic, wood, or lace. The price of such an accessory depends on the material that was used to make it, and whether or not it was hand crafted. Fans are very popular Spanish souvenirs.
- Leather goods – the business card of Spain. Leather goods from Toledo are especially valuable, as they manifest distinguishable quality and originality. You will easily pick a bag, wallet, portmanteau, or belt to suit your needs. As for leather shoes, they should have the word "cuero" on them, which is a sign of quality.
- Ceramics are manufactured in Toledo, Catalonia, and Valencia. However, the traditional center of ceramics work, which preserved the old methods of pottery firing, is considered to be Andalusia.
- Metal work goods also enjoy a considerable deal of popularity, including chandeliers, locks, door bells, and other.
- As a gift from Spain one could also bring colored glass or artificial pearl items. As a rule of thumb, these items are very widespread in Majorca.
