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Coses de Casa
Barcelona
Appealing fabrics and weavings are displayed in this 19th-century store, called simply "Household Items." Many are hand-woven in Majorca, their boldly geometric patterns inspired by Arab motifs of centuries ago. The fabric, for the most part, is 50% cotton, 50% linen; much of it would make excellent upholstery material. Cushions, spreads, and throws can be made to order.Appealing fabrics and weavings are displayed in this 19th-century store,
Custo-Barcelona
Barcelona
First it was Hollywood, with the likes of Julia Roberts and Drew Barrymore seen sporting Custo T-shirts. Now they have taken over the world, with stores from Chicago to Perugia to Shanghai. As the name suggests, however, these tops and shirts, skirts, and pants in mad mixes of fabrics and emblazoned with '60s retro motifs are a homegrown product and have become a symbol of "Cool Barcelona."First it was Hollywood, with the likes of Julia Roberts
Czar
Barcelona
If sports shoes and trainers are your thing then look no further than Czar. They have everything from the Converse, Le Coq Sportif, and Adidas classics to more bizarre creations by Diesel, W<, Asics, and other cult labels.If sports shoes and trainers are your thing then look
Decathlon
Barcelona
If you plan to do some physical activity in Barcelona beyond a stroll down the La Rambla, Decathlon is really the only name you need to know. Every single sport is covered in this French-owned megastore, from soccer and tennis to
ja-kai (Basque handball) and Ping-Pong. There is swimwear, clothing for jogging, aerobics, cycling hats (and cycles), ski gear, hiking boots, and wet suits. Their prices are pretty much unbeatable, especially on their house items.If you plan to do some physical activity in Barcelona
Diagonal Mar
Barcelona
This is the newest of the malls, part of a huge urban project that is breathing residential and commercial life on the city's northern coastline. Reflecting the surrounding property prices, shops here tend to be mid- to high-end. All the fashion staples are here, plus a branch of the music and entertainment megastore FNAC, and even a cinema. Open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 10pm.This is the newest of the malls, part of a
Discos Castelló
Barcelona
With six shops over Barcelona, Castelló pretty much has the CD market sewn up. Half of them are located in the Calle Tallers, a street of door-to-door music and vinyl shops. Opened in 1934, their flagship store at no. 7 is mainly pop rock. Next door, "Overstocks" has more of the same plus sections on jazz, world, Spanish, and country music. Classical music is sold at no. 3.With six shops over Barcelona, Castelló pretty much has the
Dom
Barcelona
The pop aesthetic truly lives on in this housewares/objects store. Beaded curtains, bubble furniture, plastic stools, chrome lamps, and kitchenware in bold colors, plus an informed selection of international-design magazines and knickknacks ensure that there is something on offer for all budgets. The result is either extremely hip or horribly kitschy, depending on your taste and age. The shop is open Monday to Saturday from 10:30am to 9pm.The pop aesthetic truly lives on in this housewares/objects store.
E & A Gispert
Barcelona
If you have trouble finding this shop behind the Santa María del Mar church, simply follow your nose. Coffee and nuts are roasted here daily (go for the almonds straight out of the oven) and sold alongside dried and candied fruit of all descriptions: Turkish figs, apricots, currants and raisins, and even French
marron glacé. Sometimes the lines spill out onto the street, such is the quality of everything this century-old shop sells.If you have trouble finding this shop behind the Santa
El Bulevard des Antiquaris
Barcelona
This 70-unit indoor market off one of the town's most aristocratic avenues has a huge collection of art, antiques, bric-a-brac, and just plain junk assembled in a series of stands and small shops. It's great for browsing, although the erratic opening hours (stall owners set their own hours) may drive you mad.This 70-unit indoor market off one of the town's most
El Corte Inglés
Barcelona
The main Barcelona branch of Spain's largest department store chain -- which now has few serious competitors -- sells a wide variety of merchandise, ranging from traditional handicrafts to high-fashion items, and from Spanish records to food. The store has a restaurant and cafe and offers consumer-related services, such as a travel agent. It also has a department that will mail your purchase. Not only that, but you can have shoes repaired, hair and beauty treatments, and food and drink in the rooftop cafe. The basement supermarket (Plaça Catalunya branch only) is the best place to pick up wines and other foodstuffs to take back home. Open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 10pm.The main Barcelona branch of Spain's largest department store chain
El Indio
Barcelona
Established in 1870 and easily recognizable from the florid facade and arched windows, this emporium sells all sorts of textile goods, from sheets to tea towels to tablecloths. The service and wood-lined surroundings are charmingly old school and the range of offerings mind-boggling: from cheap polyester sheets to the finest linen napkins. If they don't have it, it probably doesn't exist.Established in 1870 and easily recognizable from the florid facade
El Mercadillo
Barcelona
This is Barcelona's temple to alternative culture, with in-house DJs, piercing salons, and dozens of stalls selling urban and club wear, leather and suede jackets, records and secondhand clothes. The kids love it but you may have a hard time of it if you have a post-30 or post-teenage body size.This is Barcelona's temple to alternative culture, with in-house DJs,
Escribà
Barcelona
You may have already seen the glittering facade of this beautiful Art Nouveau shop on postcards. But far from a curious relic, it sells the goods of one of the city's finest families of chocolate and cake makers. You can pop in for a coffee and croissant (there are outside tables in the summer) or pick up a box of bonbons or a bottle of dessert wine to take home. At Easter, the windows display
monas, elaborate chocolate sculptures decorated with jewels and feathers.You may have already seen the glittering facade of this
FNAC
Barcelona
If you don't want anything too out of the mainstream, the best place to pick up music is the FNAC megastore in central Barcelona. The second floor has CDs of all kinds -- rock, pop, jazz, classical, and a tempting selection that consists of mostly not-quite-current releases of current artists at rock-bottom prices. You can ask to listen before buying, which is handy for making purchases of Spanish music and flamenco. It's open 10am to 10pm Monday through Saturday. The Plaça Catalunya branch of this music and entertainment megastore has a solid section of English-language books. Most of the novels are bestsellers (or recent bestsellers), and a large range of the current travel guides to Barcelona and the rest of Spain are available. There is also a bilingual dictionary and language textbook section.If you don't want anything too out of the mainstream,
Forvm Ferlandina
Barcelona
Contemporary jewelry and accessories from over 50 designers are on show here in tiny cubist cases that give the shop the feel of a contemporary gallery. Silversmithing, enamel work, beading, and most of the disciplines are featured. Particularly lovely are felt-flower bouquet brooches, rings, and hair ornaments that are produced in the rear workroom.Contemporary jewelry and accessories from over 50 designers are on
Gastón y Daniella
Barcelona
This century-old company originally hails from Bilbao, although these days its name is synonymous with fine fabrics for upholstery and drapery all over Spain. Every one of their damasks, polished cottons, brocades, and tapestries is extremely lush, more suited to a time when children's fingerprints and cat hair was not an issue. It's great to browse in, even if it's just for an end-piece for a new cushion cover.This century-old company originally hails from Bilbao, although these days
Giménez & Zuazo
Barcelona
Quirky, colorful, and very Barcelonese, Giménez & Zuazo's creations are characterized by daring prints and unusual fabrics. Their skirts may have the silhouette of a svelte female splashed across the front, or a shirt collar may be bordered in contrasting cross-stitch. Their Boba T-shirts, with hand-painted imagery, have become something of a cult item.Quirky, colorful, and very Barcelonese, Giménez & Zuazo's creations are
Gotham
Barcelona
Although the fad for retro design pieces has been established in Spain, this shop was a pioneer. Furniture from the '50s through '60s is here, as are ceramics, crockery, vases, lights, and other items hailing from the same epoch. Prices aren't cheap, but most objects have either been restored or are in faultless condition.Although the fad for retro design pieces has been established
Hibernian Books
Barcelona
Already in its second Gràcia location after opening in the villagey
barri in 2004, this friendly, secondhand English-language bookshop is a favorite with residents and visitors alike. The books cover topics ranging from health to hobbies, and exchanges and generous discounts are available. The shop also gives you the lowdown on Anglo-Irish social and theatrical goings on in the city. A kids' corner and tea and coffee service add to the homey atmosphere, and there are armchairs where you can sit and browse before you buy.Already in its second Gràcia location after opening in the
Ici Et Là
Barcelona
Craftsmanship and quirky design characterize the pieces on display in this corner shop in the heart of the El Born shopping strip. Most pieces are limited editions by local artists, but they also receive regular shipments of, say, Nepalese chairs, African baskets, or Indian textiles. Glass is also featured strongly, from candleholders to delicately embossed wine glasses. Nearly everything in this shop could be described as a "conversation piece."Craftsmanship and quirky design characterize the pieces on display in
Iguapop
Barcelona
The Iguapop company is one of the leading promoters of contemporary music in Barcelona. Hardly surprising, then, that the emphasis is firmly on youth culture in their first gallery. Graffiti and video artists, magazine design, and contemporary photography by young people from both Spain and abroad can be seen in their airy, white space located near the Ciutadella Park. There is an adjoining shop that sells cult streetwear and accessories.The Iguapop company is one of the leading promoters of
Itaca
Barcelona
Here you'll find a wide array of handmade pottery from Catalonia and other parts of Spain, as well as from Portugal, Mexico, and Morocco. The merchandise has been selected for its basic purity, integrity, and simplicity. There is a wide range of Gaudí-esque objects, inspired by trademark
trencadis (broken tile) work.Here you'll find a wide array of handmade pottery from
Jean-Pierre Bua
Barcelona
Another pioneer, this boutique was the first to import big-name Parisian fashion to Barcelona. There is a large stock of Gaultier (the French
enfant terrible and Bua are personal friends); Comme des Garçon; Spain's most international designer, Sybilla; and Brussels is represented with Dries van Noten. Despite the price tags, the staff are laid-back and no one seems to mind if you spend time simply looking.Another pioneer, this boutique was the first to import big-name
Josep Font
Barcelona
With a masterful eye for fabrics and attention to detail that recalls vintage St. Laurent, Catalan designer Josep Font is in class of his own. His sumptuous shop has retained many of its original Art Nouveau features customized with Font's inherent quirkiness. Bold yet feminine, with only a slight nod to the current trends, his designs remain timeless.With a masterful eye for fabrics and attention to detail
Kastoria
Barcelona
This large store near the cathedral is an authorized Lladró dealer, and stocks a big selection of the famous porcelain. It also carries many kinds of leather goods, including purses, suitcases, coats, and jackets.This large store near the cathedral is an authorized Lladró
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