Shopping in Spain: the main features

Exclusive world and Spanish brands, famous designer stores, fashion trends, prestigious boutiques - all this you will see, going on a shopping trip to Spain. However, before you start shopping for shopping, you should study some features of shopping in this country. So you can avoid various surprises.

The first thing you should pay attention to when shopping in Spain is the opening and closing times Shops. Most boutiques open from 8:30 to 10 am, as in many other European countries. But they close much later - at 20:00. And such hypermarkets as Eroski, Carrefour and Mercadona, and do work until 22:00. But all Spanish boutiques have big breaks in work during the day, during the siesta.

Siesta in Spain is the time in the middle of the day when shops, offices, banks and most other businesses are closed to allow staff to have lunch and rest. It usually begins at 13 o'clock (depending on the area it can start already at noon or, conversely, only at 14:00) and lasts till 16-17 hours. At this time, shopping in Spain is possible only in supermarkets and hypermarkets, which remain open throughout the day, as closing such large shopping complexes every day for 3-4 hours is economically unprofitable.

Be prepared for the fact that on Sunday you too will not be able to enjoy a shopping trip. In Spain it is a day of rest, therefore all trade establishments and even most supermarkets will be closed. The Spaniards are trying to buy the necessary goods on Saturday, otherwise it will be necessary to manage one day without them. Work on Sunday only the largest hypermarkets listed above.

There is one more point that Spain stands out for. Shopping here is distinguished by a unique approach to customer service. We are used to when we go to the store, the sales consultant welcomes us and offers our help. In Spain, this rule does not apply, and you can be completely ignored. In addition, if the seller at the moment when you decide to contact him, will be busy with some business (for example, talking on the phone), you will have to wait patiently. But during the service the seller will be incredibly benevolent. There is no point in getting irritated because of this approach to clients. The Spaniards do not want to seem rude, they are just so arranged.

Shopping in Spain is not only fashion boutiques, but also markets. In most Spanish cities, there are open markets, operating once a week from 8:00 to 14:00. There you can find everything: from fruits, vegetables and bread to clothes, shoes, jewelry and much more. Prices are often cheaper than in stores. So if you are planning a specific purchase, visit the weekly market. And do not forget to bargain. Sellers willingly go to reduce prices.

One should also take into account the fact that almost all goods in Spain are taxed with value added tax. Depending on the types of stores, it can be 7-14% of the purchase price.

Shopping in Spain allows you not only to have fun and buy a lot of wonderful things, but also helps to learn more about the culture of the country. Try to take all the features of Spanish shopping with a smile.