Introduction to Barcelona

Barcelona is Spain’s second largest city, in terms of size and population. Barcelona is also the capital of the Catalonia region, and both Catalan and Castillian Spanish are spoken. Barcelona is home to beautiful beaches, serene parks and vibrant gardens – and a plethora of restaurants and museums to explore.

Demographics

Barcelona has a population of approximately 1.6 million people (2016), about 62% Catalan, 24% from other areas in Spain and the remainder immigrants from countries such as Pakistan, Italy, China, Ecuador, Bolivia and Morocco. Barcelona is also home to Spain’s largest Jewish community: Today, an estimated 3,500 Jews reside in Barcelona, with four functioning synagogues, a Jewish day school, old age home, Chabad house and an annual Jewish film festival.

Top Five Shopping Streets:

1. Passeig de Gràcia: A famous shopping street in Barcelona, shoppers can find high-end stores such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo and Rolex, among others. There are also fast-fashion outlets such as H&M and Zara.
2. Portal de L’Angel: A busy shopping street with large stores such as Massimo Dutti, Oysho, Calzedonia and Bershka.
3. La Diagonal: Home to chic boutiques and designer stores such as Loewe, Emporio Armani and Comptoir des Cotonniers. 
4. Rambla de Catalunya: A charming street with unique, quaint boutiques offering a variety of styles, including stores dedicated to apparel and accessories, as well as souvenirs. 
5. Carrer de Pelai: An abundance of shoe store line Carrer de Pelai, plus shops such as Topshop, Pull & bear, Bershka, Desigual and Mango.

Famous Retail Events

Barcelona Fashion Week: Barcelona Fashion Week is the fashion event of the year held in the Catalan capital. It has been around for about 40 years now, but gained popularity in 2001.

Top Innovative Retailers

Jamie Beriestain  [caption id="attachment_95477" align="alignright" width="188"] Source: studio.beriestain.com[/caption] Jamie Beriestain is an interior designer from Chile. He created this concept store for the affluent gentleman, featuring items such as textiles, decorations, lighting, home décor and a café/restaurant. The store is divided into different areas, each to fit a different lifestyle such as countryside, city, sea or mountain.  Location: Jamie Beristain, Pau Claris 172, pral. 08037 Barcelona.   Be [caption id="attachment_95478" align="alignright" width="178"] Source: bethestore.com[/caption] Be has three locations throughout the city. The store houses apparel, books and home décor. The store looks for one of a kind items and the products are updated daily. The store carries quirky and unique items that customers didn’t know they needed. Some products examples include Polaroid cameras, photo organizers, Bluetooth adapters and other eclectic items. The Be shop at Diagonal features an outdoor space where customers can enjoy a cup of coffee and take a break from shopping. Location: Be Diagonal, Av. Diagonal, 606 Tienda Derecha, 08021 Barcelona.   Boo [caption id="attachment_95479" align="alignright" width="169"] Source: boobcn.com[/caption] Boo was established in 2006 on Bonavista street in the Gràcia district. The shop features a selection of historical labels and up-and-coming emerging brands. Boo curates timeless pieces that won’t lose their value, focusing on products locally and ethically made in Europe. Some brands include Bonne Maison, Hemen Biarritz, Jolie Jolie, Norse Projects, Musgo Real, La Paz, Saint James and other European brands. The store is named after the hero in To Kill a Mocking Bird, Boo Radley. The interior of the store consists of mounted deer heads, natural wood displays, phone booth changing rooms and a porcelain bench. Location: Boo, Carrer de Bonavista, 2, 08012 Barcelona.   Nuovum [caption id="attachment_95480" align="alignright" width="182"] Source: nuovum.com[/caption] Nuovum displays items in honeycomb-shaped wooden boxes, designed by Jose Manuel Sevilla. Nuovum is located in La Rambla and is one of the smallest concept stores in Barcelona. The items offered in the store range from leather goods to unique décor. Some are two-toned rings, animal face lamps and the most popular item at the store: limited-edition leather bags. Nuovum showcases up-and-coming designers and tries to find them locally when possible. The store started online but opened a brick and mortar store in 2014. Location: Nuovum, Pintor Fortuny, 30, 08001 Barcelona.   Nordicthink [caption id="attachment_95481" align="alignright" width="156"] Source: en.nordicthink.com[/caption] Nordicthink is an interior design store that is a minimalist’s heaven. The interior is a white-washed room with exposed brick walls, creating a picture-perfect backdrop. The products consist of Scaninavian furniture, lighting and accessories. The owners place the furniture to resemble a living room. Some of the brands showcased at the store include Borastapeter (Swedish wallpaper), Ethnicraft (fine wood furnishings), Fern Living (retro accessories) and Light Years (Scandinavian inspired lamps). Location: Nordicthink, Casanova 214, 08036 Barcelona.   Bon Vent [caption id="attachment_95482" align="alignright" width="244"] Source: bonvent.cat[/caption] Bon Vent is located in the artsy neighborhood of Born. Bon Vent is a family-run business that works with local artists. The store also carries vintage silver cutlery, old fashioned soaps, Bohemian fabrics – the store is reminiscent of a Bohemian summer home. Location: Bon Vent, Carrer de l’Argenteria, 41, 08003 Barcelona.   8PM Store [caption id="attachment_95483" align="alignright" width="164"] Source: 8pmstore.com[/caption] 8PM Store combines design, art, fashion and culture. 8PM Store collects products from young independent designers in fields as diverse as industrial design, graphics, apparel, painting, sculpture, ceramics and jewelry. The products range from apparel, sunglasses, backpacks to magazines – among others. The store targets consumers who believe in supporting sustainable and local brands, being conscious of consumption. Location: 8PM Store, Carrer del Torrent de l’Olla, 164, 08012 Barcelona.   Olokuti [caption id="attachment_95484" align="alignright" width="120"] Source: olokuti.com[/caption] Olokuti is all about sustainability: The store offers products that support social, environmental and economic development for the people who make them. The aim is to contribute to responsible consumption and ethical values. Olikuti selects products to include in the store based on four pillars: environmentally sustainable, natural (without chemicals, fair trade and promoting local brands. The store carries a variety of apparel, coffee cups, accessories and quirky items. The store also has a backyard garden where customers can sit and relax. Location: Olokuti Gràcia, Carrer d’Astúries, 38, 08012 Barcelona.   Mar de Cava [caption id="attachment_95485" align="alignright" width="227"] Source: globalblue.com[/caption] Mar de Cava is a two-story gem, showcasing designers from Barcelona and up-and-coming designers from all over the world. The store is a multi-purpose space, including a shop, gallery and studio. The store offers a little bit of everything: home décor, clothing, art, kids toys and more. There is a space for workshops, talks and exhibits for the local community. Location: Mar de Cava, Carrer de Valencia, 293, 08009 Barcelona.   Munich [caption id="attachment_95486" align="alignright" width="241"] Source: munichsports.com[/caption] Munich is a unique concept store that focusses on sports shoes, including brands such as Burberry, Nike, Moritz, Custo and Misako. The interior was created by Dear Design, focusing the interior to consist of angular pieces. The design was also inspired by trees, hills, rocks and birds: The shoes hanging from the ceiling and meant to resemble birds. Location: Munich, Avinguda Diagonal, 557, 08029, Barcelona.   Must-See Street: Placa de Sant Josep Oriol Place de Sant Josep Oriol is an historic neighborhood: The square is cull of bright colors and constant activity, filled with boutiques and cafes. Shoppers will find handicraft stores selling their wares adjacent upscale designer stores.

1. Alpargatus: A shoe store that is affordable, with a wide variety of espadrilles.
2. Creaciones Umbert: A children’s clothing store, unique and interesting pieces for children.
3. Joieria El Coral: A jewelry store with both affordable and high-quality pieces.
4. Posters Verkerke: A home goods store with a variety of posters and canvas prints.
5. Cereria Gallissa: A candle store that also offers incense.