Last Updated: 10th July 2017
The last items from the January sales have now been snapped up, and although the shops in Barcelona usually have a discount rail towards the back all year round, the new collections have already blossomed in the early spring sunshine. As you would expect from this cosmopolitan city, the opportunities for going shopping in Barcelona are as varied as the trends that take your fancy and the budget you can allow.
If you missed the Barcelona sales fret not, great bargains from quality brands can be found all year round in outlet stores in Barcelona. And if you’re the kind of person who approaches an outlet as if it were a box of chocolates then we’ve got good news. La Roca Village, located just outside Barcelona is the whole candy store. This deluxe retail experience attracts thousands of international visitors every year.
Barcelona fashion outlet stores
There are more than 100 boutiques in this luxury outlet shopping village which offer last season’s selection with discounts of up to 60%. There’s also something slightly surreal about strolling amongst top brand stores in its quiet village-like setting, instead of the bustling high streets where they are usually found.
Some of the most popular Barcelona fashion brands that you’ll find here include Custo, for the colourful and chic, and Desigual, whose clothes, shoes and accessories are just as bright but more affordable for most. Antonio Miro opened his first own-brand shop in Barcelona in 1986 and has since presented his latest creations at international catwalks shows in Paris, Milan, Florence, Tokyo and New York.
Choose from Spanish and international brands
This outlet shopping centre near Barcelona also has plenty of brands from the rest of Spain. Bimba and Lola is a Galician designer whose flagship shop next to Casa Batlló in Passeig de Gràcia is a favourite with international visitors. Another name you might recognise is Adolfo Dominguez, whose smart-casual lines for men and women are popular with the locals.
Many international names are here too; in fact the retail selection of La Roca Village reads like a who’s who of contemporary quality couture. On the designer front we have the likes of Armani, Calvin Klein jeans, Versace, Burberry and Hugo Boss. For urban designer chic you’ll find G-Star Raw, Diesel and Pepe Jeans, and plenty more.
Outlet shopping for shoes, accessories and gifts
If you’re looking for a snazzy pair of “Spanish boots of Spanish leather,” as Dylan sang, or indeed any other kind of shoes or accessories then you’re also in the right place. Camper, Coach, Clarks and Bikkembergs will get you nicely heeled, whilst Mandarina Duck, Furla, Kipling and Gucci offer an extensive selection of bags, from the frivolous to the functional and anything in between. Time to buy a watch? Swatch it. A gift for a friend back home? Say it with Tous teddies on a silver chain. Too cool for the Barcelona sunshine? Ray Ban.
There’s more than just fashion
Other outlet shopping establishments found here include lingerie stores offering a touch of intimacy; body and beauty emporiums which sell everything a modern lady and gentleman need in order to look, feel and smell absolutely fabulous; and several sports stores. Pick up a pair of Pumas, succumb to that drive to park your feet in some new Vans, and just do it for less at the Nike Factory Store. Barcelona is home to one of the world’s finest football teams, and whether you saw Messi in action or not, the next best thing is to score a genuine half-price Barça t-shirt at the FCBotiga shop.
Relax and recharge
When it’s time to take a break, refreshments and tapas are available in several of the on-site bars and cafés. These include Starbucks, The Chocolat Factory, and Café and Tapas. The Pasarela restaurant is ideal for those who would like to sample some Catalan cuisine; it has an excellent typical menu and a welcoming open-air terrace. If you are more drawn towards cold cuts and Iberian ham you’ll find a great selection at Andreu Xarcuteria, as well as fresh salads and sandwiches.
Getting to La Roca Village
La Roca Village is located in La Roca del Vallès, near Cardedeu. Getting there is quick and easy with the La Roca Shopping Bus by Sagales, which takes just over half an hour. (More info: www.larocavillage.com). There are 12 buses every day which leave from Barcelona city centre (Casp 34). Tickets are 20€ round trip, with a 10% discount if you book online. Opening hours are from 10am-10pm from Monday to Sunday.
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