English
There are a number of reasons why more and more is being required of shops, especially inBarcelona. It may be because the competition is keener, the clientele poorer (at least in this country), or because your partner finds shopping incredibly boring, but the truth is that the stores have to reinvent themselves and customers are looking for yet another incentive.
Today we’re giving you a list of shops where you won’t mind (much anyway) spending some dough.
Olokuti, Calle Astúries, 38 (Gracia neighborhood, Metro: Fontana)
Olokuti is one of those charming, beloved shops. Above all, for its philosophy: fair trade. But also for the quality of its products and a special atmosphere it exudes. It is located on the ground floor of an old building in Gracia and preserves the original layout of the rooms and antique tiles. They have clothing, bags, wallets, picture frames, toys and baby clothes, necklaces and earrings, books, music, and a section of green technology (please forgive me for leaving out tons of other objects since I´m not taking inventory there). Sounds great, but there is also another incentive that makes it unique: it has a fairly large courtyard with trees and a garden where you can enjoy a cup of tea, a juice or even the ice cream that they sell. In addition, they often host cultural activities such as exhibitions or concerts in this courtyard.
The cuina d´en Garriga, Calle Consell de Cent, 308 (Metro: Diagonal)
This place is like shopping in the past, with the exception of the prices, of course. It seems a bit like a house in the village where people sold what they grew in their own garden and where, incidentally, you could stay for lunch. It´s a bit like this concept but more akin to when all the artisans of a village unite to create a store. I´ll explain: organic fruit sold in wooden boxes comes from a farm in Lleida, canned goods, free range eggs, cheeses, milk, and charcuterie come from small producers in the country, the best wine in the country, homemade duck foie gras… And on top of it all, in the back of the store there is a small kitchen where you can sample their products or reserve the space to eat with friends. A rural luxury in the middle of the city.
Laie Llibreria Cafè, Calle Pau Claris, 85 (Metro: Urquinaona or Passeig de Gracia)
You know how it is when you buy a book and can hardly wait to read it? That’s why this book store is so great, and it even has a cafe inside where you can eat (and the food is quite good). It also has an old sunroom where you can enjoy your book, your drink and your food. If you go between March and May, you might even catch a jazz concert.
Ladyloquita, Travessera de Gracia, 126 (Metro: Fontana or Diagonal)
If you like the looks of vintage, pin-up and Lolita, you’ll love Ladyloquita. This women´s clothing store was created with the intention to give young designers ofBarcelonaa chance. And frankly, it is clear that there is a lot of talent here. The store is very cool, with old wooden floors, wooden beams and kitsch wallpaper. What I loved most in the store, though, were the dressing rooms. They’re enormous, and there is a great classic sofa where your guests can sit, leaving you feeling a little bit like a movie star.
