Calçats Conesa, a cornerstone of Gràcia’s commercial heritage, has permanently lowered its shutters after 146 years. This historic shoe and espadrille shop, a fixture opposite the Mercat de la Llibertat, closed its doors at the end of last year, ending a five-generation family legacy in the bustling neighbourhood.

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Known affectionately as the espardenyeria of Vila de Gràcia, the shop was founded in 1880, initially specialising in the crafting and sale of traditional Catalan espadrilles. Its closure adds to a worrying trend of historic businesses disappearing from the city’s streets. Family circumstances and a perceived lack of institutional support are cited as the primary reasons for this decision.

A Family’s Difficult Decision

In a conversation with Tot Barcelona, one of the owners, Sandra Casadevall, explained the complex factors behind the closure. While the family owns the premises, a combination of personal situations made continuing untenable.

“I have a job-I’m a lawyer-and my brother, who was in charge, is ill. My mother is now too old to work and is also not very well.”

Casadevall also expressed frustration regarding the lack of assistance for emblematic businesses. For instance, an appeal to the Barcelona City Council for a reduction in the IBI property tax was denied. This denial occurred despite recent city-led initiatives, such as a €3.2 million investment in preserving historic facades, which seemingly did not address the operational challenges faced by legacy retailers.

A Wave of Closures in Gràcia

The loss of Calçats Conesa is not an isolated event in Gràcia. It marks the third emblematic establishment to cease trading in the district this February alone, following the shuttering of Forn Santa Clara bakery and Ferreteria Camps hardware store. Both businesses closed due to insurmountable rent increases.

Forn Santa Clara, an 80-year-old bakery on Travessera de Gràcia, closed after its landlord attempted to double the monthly rent to €3,000. Similarly, Ferreteria Camps, a fixture on Gran de Gràcia since 1934, could no longer sustain its business.

One of its owners, Clara Camps, told Tot Barcelona:

“We were already paying €15,000 a month and faced another hike, which, combined with a 30% drop in sales, made closure inevitable.”

The Future of a Historic Space

The 250-square-metre premises of Calçats Conesa now stand empty, displaying a “disponible” (available) sign in the window, with stock remaining inside for liquidation. Casadevall mentioned that an offer to convert the space into a restaurant was made, but the Gràcia district authorities opposed the plan, leaving the future of this prominent location uncertain.

The shop itself has evolved throughout its long history. It underwent its first major renovation in 1929 to coincide with the Barcelona International Exposition, then was modernised again in the 1970s. While it retained its traditional character, Casadevall confirmed that the current interior furnishings are not original.

The closure of Calçats Conesa represents more than just the loss of a shop; it is a loss for the neighbourhood’s identity. As economic pressures mount, preserving Barcelona’s unique commercial fabric, including long-standing businesses like the Menkes costume shop, continues to be a significant challenge for the city.