News
A century-old shop endures in Barcelona's Eixample
In the heart of the Eixample, where commerce changes rapidly, a small shop resists the passing of time. La Tienda de las Alpargatas turns 100 while keeping alive a way of understanding the neighbourhood that seems increasingly scarce.
The establishment combines sales and repairs, two pillars that now coexist with difficulty in the city. At the helm is Míriam Teruel, who has spent decades serving regular customers as well as those who stumble upon the shop by chance. In the workshop, Rubén Rojas continues the craft, bringing new life to footwear that would be discarded elsewhere.
One of the key recent moments came in 2018, when the original sign, hidden for years, was discovered. After being restored, it was put back on the façade, recovering an essential part of the business’s and the area’s identity.
The Alpargatas shop has managed to adapt without losing its essence. It maintains classic products and a personal touch that stands in contrast to the logic of the large chains, which are increasingly present on streets like València.
Its story reflects a broader change in Barcelona. Long-standing businesses survive in a delicate balance, caught between market pressures and the value of authenticity.
Just a few metres from the busiest routes in the Eixample, this shop shows that there is still room for a different kind of commerce. One that not only sells, but also repairs, engages in conversation, and preserves the everyday memory of the city.