El Corte Ingles

Even if its only for the holidays or between your daily routine, for instance, everyone likes to do a little shopping spree. One of the most commonly known outlets for national and international labels is: El Corte Ingles. This shopping center originally started out as a small tailor shop in Madrid in 1890 and then a limited store; which has further grown into the largest department-store chain in Europe with more than 80 stores across Spain. In addition, it has also consistently been in the top 5 largest department-stores in the world in terms of sales, which is a remarkable achievement considering it mainly operates in just one country.

About El Corte Ingles

In the same vein, the outlet has also expanded into various sectors including not only fashion but groceries, electronics, household goods, jewellery, travel agency and home decor. Moreover, it is no wonder why so many people visiting Barcelona come to shop in El Corte Ingles just to experience this unique shopping experience in itself. In the same vein, El Corte Ingles is Spain’s only remaining department store chain; but also it has been a member of the International Association of department stores since 1998. In addition, the international expansion began in 2001 in Portugal, with a store in Lisbon; followed in 2006 with a store in Vila Nova de Gaia, opposite the city of Porto, and a third store was planned.

Indeed, the largest store in Spain can be found right here in Barcelona on Plaça Catalunya with a grand total of 9 floors packed full of everything you could possibly think of. It is worth a trip just to see what’s on offer and even if you don’t buy anything the views from the top floor offer a unique view of the iconic square below. However, on this floor you can sit back and enjoy a coffee in the café and restaurant whilst watching the world go by and admiring the view.

Moreover, here is more detailed information on the floors:

Basement

1. Supermercado – the store’s supermarket
2. El Gourmet Club – the store’s luxury delicatessen area
3. Pharmacy
4. Tobacconist
5. Opticians
6. Shoe repair

Ground Floor

1. Perfumes and Cosmetics
2. Accessories – jewellery, watches, bags, handkerchiefs, umbrellas
3. Information Desk

First Floor

1. Woman’s Fashion
2. Beauty Parlour

Second Floor

1. Men’s fashion
2. Men’s Hairdressers
3. Travel agency

Third Floor

1. Children and Baby Fashion
2. Shoes
3. Lingerie

Fourth Floor

1. Teenage Fashion

Fifth Floor

1. Household Furniture
2. Electrical Items
3. Wedding Lists

Sixth Floor

1. Textiles
2. Furniture and Decorations

Seventh Floor

1. Electrical department – DVDs, televisions, Videos
2. Bookshop
3. Toys

Eighth Floor

1. Special offers
2. Haberdashery

Ninth Floor

La Rotonda – the store’s restaurant and café   There are other El Corte Ingles stores in the city but this is a definite must as it is the largest and is worth it just for the views from the top floor alone. Visit this iconic store whether it be for shopping, finding a bargain, having lunch and a coffee, or just to say you’ve visited Spain’s largest department stores’ largest store in the amazing city of Barcelona!

The store’s information desk is located just inside the central store entrance. They are very helpful and will call any other sections of the store to answer your questions. They are multi-lingual.

Practical information

• Address: Plaza de Catalunya, 14 08002 Barcelona, España
• Transport: By Metro: Catalunya (Red Line, L1) or (Green Line, L3)
• Web: http://www.elcorteingles.eu/
• Schedules: Monday – Saturday from 9:30 am till 9:30 pm | Sunday – Closed

If you need a place to crash and a comfortable bed to collapse onto after a busy day of shopping then visit www.barcelona-home.com.