Shopkeepers in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter report a welcome festive upturn.

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Many have reached pre-pandemic sales levels for the first time. This comes despite recent heavy rains dampening crucial trading days.

For traders in the historic district, this Christmas season has finally brought a break. According to La Vanguardia, the festive period has provided much-needed relief.

This local recovery aligns with broader city trends. Citywide tourism figures reached a record in the past year, albeit with slowing growth.

“This campaign is encouraging,” says Teresa Llordés, president of Barnacentre. “It shows that Barcelona residents want to return to the centre. Our historic shops are part of the city’s living heritage.” Associations like Barcelona Oberta and the Fundació Barcelona Comerç are also satisfied. They note the campaign is going well, but Christmas trade remains vital.

Endemic Problems Persist in the Gothic Quarter

Yet, endemic problems continue to erode main thoroughfares like Ferran, Comtal and Portaferrissa. Ten months ago, a “let” sign appeared on the historic La Estrella pharmacy on Ferran. The premises remain closed, though rumours suggest a jewellery shop will open. The original pharmacists left in 2021, unwilling to pay the asking price. An Indian businessman later opened a cannabis shop there. It closed in spring 2024 after disagreements. The rental price of €8,000 a month for the 90-square-metre space explains the story’s ups and downs.

Change, however, is afoot. Some shop windows now pay tribute to traditional trades. Many souvenir sellers on Comtal are trying to shift their saucy magnets. Over Christmas, many residents visited the historic centre. They returned to a few beloved shops and had chocolate in Petrixol. It is not just souvenir shops opening. New shops dedicated to urban fashion are appearing, signalling a shift.

Looking to the Future of Commerce

“It’s not just about improving turnover,” says Llordés. “It is about restoring a sense of belonging to the historic centre. We are pleased people also came to have a good time. Now we have to make this story continue.” Challenges remain. Insecurity is still evident. The bins in the Gothic Quarter are often overflowing. Despite the renovation of Portal de l’Àngel, many paving stones are still loose.

“Yes, the campaign is good, in the Gothic Quarter and elsewhere,” says Gabriel Jené of Barcelona Oberta. “It rained several days, but the cold encouraged sales. Christmas is like that. For people to keep coming, we need better accessibility. Another lane going up Via Laietana would help. Only then will the best brands come.” You can find more on the challenges facing Barcelona’s retail sector in our previous coverage.

“We are finishing a good campaign,” says Pròsper Puig of the Fundació Barcelona Comerç. “We were worried about family purchasing power, but they did their shopping. Let’s see how the first quarter goes.” One hopes the story continues.

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