shops

The great presence of commercial establishments in cities like Barcelona or Girona contrasts with the little support of the Administration. Despite the economic benefit of shopping tourism.

The importance of the commercial fabric in Catalonia has led to the creation of a new tool that offers useful information of the main commercial axes.

‘Center of Commercial Establishments of Catalonia’ is a document prepared by the Generalitat and the General Council of Cambres de Catalunya.

According to the census, Catalonia has 86,418 commercial enterprises and a total of 101,319 establishments. An economic fabric from which an average commercial density of 13.47 stores per thousand inhabitants is extracted. This figure exceeds cities such as Barcelona and Girona with more than 16 shops for every 1,000 residents.

In this context, the good health of shopping tourism is fundamental for the survival of a good number of shops. In fact, according to a recent study shops in the city of Barcelona must one in five euros to tourism. And its disappearance would lead to the closure of 1,200 of the commercial establishments.

An economic benefit worth protecting!

Business establishments in Catalonia

The census of the distribution of shops in the Catalan geography puts in value their role in the local economy. Especially in those cities with the greatest number of inhabitants. Those with more than 75,000 inhabitants.

Among them stands the city’s highest commercial density: Girona. With less than 100,000 inhabitants, Girona has 16.67 commercial establishments for every 1,000 residents. In addition to considerably large establishments (2,274 m2 / 1,000 inhabitants).

The second densest city is Barcelona, with 16.24 shops. And a total commercial area of 2.7 million square meters.

Not in vain, two of the major commercial hubs of Barcelona are among the three most exclusive in Spain. The Portal de l’Àngel (280 € / m2 per month) is the national leader and Paseo de Gracia (250 € / m2 per month) is third behind Calle Preciados.

The case of the province of Girona not only affects the capital, but also to the other regions that raise the average to 15.40 shops per thousand inhabitants. In fact, Alt Empordà (18,84 est) and Baix Empordà (17,81 est) surpass the capital of Gironès.

While in the province of Barcelona, other areas near the city of Barcelona such as Sabadell (12,44 est.), Terrassa (12,21 est.), Hospitalet de Llob. (11.79 est) or Sant Cugat (10.73 est) also has a significant presence of shops.

Importance of shopping tourism

The international impact of cities such as Barcelona is closely related to tourism. The arrival of numerous visitors, whether for holidays or business, affects a large number of shops and services. Not to mention the benefit for sectors such as real estate.

‘Economic impact of tourist purchases in the city of Barcelona’ , a study by RBD Consulting Group estimates that the turnover of shopping tourism is about 2,000 million euros per year. A volume of sales that in Barcelona supposes 19% of the total.

In fact, its disappearance would entail the closure of at least 1,200 commercial establishments. A negative impact on both the economy and the employment or investment that Barcelona currently receives.

Really, the city needs is just the opposite. To put in value the importance of the tourist in the local economy, and to develop in this way other commercial axes like the Avda Diagonal and Gran Via.

Two large arteries of commercial connectivity that could increase up to 5% the turnover of commercial establishments.

To talk about the two great Spanish capitals is to think about good weather and many places to visit. The perfect plan for shopping tourism.

At the gates of spring, which will begin on March 20, the tourism sector is once again one of the most active. The cities of average Europe get their best image and many shops release a new image.

In all of this, travel and retail have a fundamental role as a source of business. And both Barcelona and Madrid prepare for a new season of shopping tourism.

The forecasts can not be better. The ‘Retail Destination Index’, made by Savills, in the Top 10 of the best cities to go shopping.

While the latest data from ‘European Cities Marketing‘ put Barcelona and Madrid as two of the four European capitals with more overnight stays.

Spring arrives and with it: tourists!

Top Retail Destinations

The European ranking of shopping tourism has many competitors, but only a few winners.

According to ‘Retail Destination Index 2016‘, London is the main shopping destination in Europe. A list in which Barcelona and Madrid rise positions, with a tourist spending only lower than Paris and London.

Of the group of tourists who visited Spain in 2016, the travelers of the city condal spent 8.300 million euros. While those who took Madrid as a destination invested 7,200 million during their stay.

This fact does not go unnoticed by large firms. Shopping is one of the big tourist attractions and brands want to take advantage of it.

In that sense, the study of Savills allows to study the European capitals in order to plan new and attractive locations.

That is why Preciados, Serrano or the Gran Vía de Madrid, next to the Portal de l’Àngel or Passeig de Gracia in Barcelona are already trading above 220 € / m2 per month. At the level of the great commercial streets of the world.

Tourists in Barcelona and Madrid

Capitals such as London, Paris or Berlin appear constantly among the most overnight stays.

However, Barcelona and Madrid do not stop growing in that aspect. According to data from European Cities Marketing, both cities are ranked fifth and sixth in the European ranking.

Two positions within the Continental Top 10. Although the growth rate of Spanish capitals far exceeds the European average.

Barcelona is the city with the highest number of overnight stays. The city rose by 8.5% a year, ahead of London (7.3%). Madrid recorded the fourth highest growth in Europe (6.4%), behind Amsterdam (6.6%).

Excellent news to receive good weather and tourism shopping travelers.

The importance of shopping tourism for shops makes the most sought after shopping streets are precisely the best known by visitors.

Barcelona has several shopping centers frequented by all types of visitors, from lovers of culture or music to participants in congresses.

To the profitability of the main commercial streets of the city condal is added the great amount of visitors that can congregate in a few days. Tourists looking for the big firms. Like those of the Mobile World Congress, for which it has come to enable shuttle buses for shopping.

During the last months, several studies have coincided in pointing out the importance of the visitor for the commercial axes of Barcelona. Avenues, boulevards and shopping streets that stand out among the most important in Europe.

Although the Portal de l’Àngel and Paseo de Gracia are still the most quoted by the brands. Detail that makes the difference in rental income.

Tourist as the king of shopping

The tourist record of 2016 has had an undoubted impact on the economy of cities like Barcelona.

The trade association Barcelona Oberta is working on a report on the impact of the visitor on the main purchasing axes of the city. A report, which is still in the process of being drawn up, is already bringing forward data of interest. Among them, that the most frequented streets should from 30 to 60% of their turnover to tourism.

Here are the main avenues of the Eixample, such as Paseo de Gracia and Rbla Catalunya, areas bordering the Ciutat Vella, such as Pl Catalunya and Pelai Street, and large axes of the Old Town, such as La Rambla or part of the Born.

All of them above other areas like the rest of the Quadrat d’Or and the renewed Avda Diagonal. Indeed, the arrival of tourists has managed to compensate for the slow recovery in domestic consumption.

A matter of which some axes like the Paseo de Gracia can give good account. This emblematic boulevard, desired by all luxury brands, owes more than 80% of its turnover to the foreign visitor. But it also attracts other audiences: investors.

The high concentration of commercial streets in Barcelona, opposite Madrid, is perfect for the tourist to enjoy a great showcase in the blink of an eye. Therefore, the Paseo de Gracia is home to millionaire investments, in front of axes like the Born.

Why the tourist always looks for the reference boulevard, while the local buyer looks for alternative places.

Elite in the commercial streets of Barcelona

On the second anniversary of its renovation, what differentiates Avda Diagonal from Paseo de Gracia?

Much more than it seems. La Diagonal has managed to be a viable and commercially profitable axis. But despite the short distance, it is still far from the Barcelona walk of reference.

The new design and the pacification of the traffic have managed to give life to the section that goes under Sant Gervasi-Galvany. Most of its premises have a tenant and incomes have risen 22% a year. However, this figure is only a fifth of the rent in the Portal de l’Àngel or the Paseo de Gracia.

Two axes located in the elite of the European shopping streets, as Ascana recalls.

These are data very similar to those published by Cushman & Wakefield. In which both the Diagonal and Paseo de Gracia are clear examples of two rising axes.

Although, with the current rate of rise in prices, the Diagonal can climb positions very soon. As long as the tourist gets carried away, and not only is territory of local consumption.

Within the frame of the Mobility Week, the Car-Free Day promises to revolutionize all Barcelona. A celebration in a labor day and not having traffic of 58 streets are the keys for a day designed to leave the car at home.

The next 22nd of September Barcelona celebrates again a Car-Free Day. A day that tries to create a reflexion over the use of private vehicles.

This day is framed in the Sustainable and Safe Mobility Week. A few days, between the 16th and 22nd of September, in which the city council organizes almost 90 activities to promote sustainable mobility.

The city prepares for a Car-Free Day!

Barcelona in a Car-Free Day

Next 22nd of September, Barcelona promotes again habits of sustainable mobility and the use of public spaces.

The city wants to be greener, more comfortable and less polluted, following the suggestions of World Health Organization related to environmental noise and air pollution.

Without forgetting some numbers of no discussion.

In 2015, Barcelona counted 9.095 accidents with 27 mortal victims.

In this city, one out of five children are obese or in risk of suffering overweight.

For this, and in a labor day, Barcelona wants to work as soon as possible.

The city will not have traffic in 58 secondary streets. As well, two big avenues will suffer restrictions (Via Laietana and Gran de Gracia) favoring pedestrians and public transportation between 8 hrs and 21 hrs.

 

Activities in the Mobility Week

Within the frame of Mobility Week, from 16 of September till the 22nd, Barcelona’s city council among other entities and city associations will schedule around 90 activities of all kind.

One of the most outstanding will be the Park(ing) Day Barcelona. Event held for more than two centuries in various cities around the world. The activity consists in transforming several parking places in parks, gardens and workshops.

At the gates of the Mayor Festival, la Cursa de la Mercè will be celebrated. A circuit through the streets fo Barcelona.

Without forgetting the Mediterranean Road Safety Day in its 19th edition, the Sustainable Mobility Fair or the Expoelèctric exhibition.

We shouldn’t stop participating in the Cursa de Transport in which different mobilization ways in Barcelona and its health effects or invested times are shared.

A celebration of collective consciousness and participation!

On its fifth anniversary, the White Summer Market festival surprises. This time the festival is going to visit the city of Barcelona.

With the arrival of summer, the Costa Brava is again becoming a fashionable destination. A natural landscape and culture which joined five years ago the White Summer Market.

This time the festival will have a special presentation in the city Barcelona. An event featuring the latest trends in fashion, art, food and music.

Weeks ahead the event we will have to start preparing a festival full of colour and sensations, with energy and a truly unique creative synergy.

The summer comes with the White Summer Market!

White Summer in Barcelona

The great fashion festival on the Costa Brava will approach Barcelona from 21st to 22nd of May.

It will be in the former factory of Estrella Damm (Rossello street, 515) with a proposal that wants to take the best of its annual meeting in Pals (Girona).

A combination of music and entertainment in five different scenarios, with performances of new music gems and even circus acrobatics.

On Saturday 21st of May will highlight the performance of the singer Maika Makovski and Sunday 22nd of May will the US singer Maïa Vidal.

Also performing Markooz, Mark&Martin Duo and the well-known Brodas Bros, in an unmissable weekend.

The White Summer Market 2016

Girona’s Costa Brava celebrates again the best festival to enjoy the fashion trends in an exclusive environment. This is the White Market Festival held at the Mas Gelabert located in the town of Pals.

The 5th edition of the event will be held in a few weeks, from July 30th to August 20th, with an offer that goes beyond fashion.

 

More than 300 stands with all kinds of creations, from clothing to accessories, furniture or perfume. All in a bohemian atmosphere, between fantastic mountains and rice paddies of Pals.

Also a good example of gastronomy, with 30 food trucks and 2 restaurants with cuisine, to enjoy healthy food and imaginative pastries.

The offer is completed with a lot of activities, music, workshops and performing arts.

The perfect plan for this summer!

Sant Gervasi had its origin in an old town north to Barcelona. Nowadays, that area is also part of the city and it has become the most exclusive area of Barcelona. It has four different neighbourhood recognisable one from the other thanks to some features. Walking on its streets we will recognise four different neighbourhoods: Galvany, La Bonanova, El Putxet i el Farró and Les Tres Torres.

Sant Gervasi’s origin belongs to the old town of Sant Gervasi de Cassoles in the neighbourhood of Can Lledó.

Some of the magnificent vacational houses of rich families from Barcelona in the 19th Century still preserves its splendour; an example of them are: Villa Mayfair, Casa Gil (or Villa Lotus), Marquès d’Alella Palace (or Casa Muñoz Ramonet) and Torre d’en Lledó.

Splendid architecture located foothills of Collserola mountain, which is a very important green area of the city but also a frontier.

Sant Gervasi de Cassoles finally become part of Barcelona in 1897.

Multi-storey buildings took over the houses and private gardens, its urbanism decided wide streets and renowned architects such as J.Lluís Sert, J.Mestres i Fossas and Francesc Mitjans that differentiate it from other districts of Barcelona.

Sant Gervasi is a prestigious district from there you can go down to meet the city, allowing to reach every corner in a pleasant walk. It is an alluring place and still off the beaten path that most tourists never encounter. From Tibidabo Avenue you can get to Collserola or to the town centre within minutes.

‘Eixample de Sarrià‘ is a neighbourhood of contrast between old and new in a very exclusive way, modernist buildings and a peculiar mix of old and new shops. Residential area is surrounded by prestigious schools and renowned clinics.

February is time for Santa Eulalia celebrations in Barcelona together with the Festival of light. That is a perfect match to celebrate Barcelona winter festivals.

The city farewells Carnival but keeps having fun with February celebrations starting on Wednesday 10th of February when Barcelona winter festival begins. A celebration that combines culture and tradition during the day and the Festival of Light during the night.

Once again, Santa Eulalia celebrations, in honour of the Co-Patroness of Barcelona, and the Festival of Light coincide in Barcelona. This time dates are: from 11th February until 14th February. There will be all ages activities.

The celebration will begin the night of Thursday 11th with a terrific musical performance; a set of lit pendulums and lasers instead of traditional video mapping.

Three entire days of traditional events such as parades of «giants and big-heads», demons and dragons, «sardanes« (traditional Catalan dance), «castellers» (human towers) and three nights when light will magically reach representative buildings. During all weekend the doors of museums and historic buildings are open.