Guardia Civil arrested alleged Blocus founder in Picanya
The Guardia Civil arrested a man in Picanya described by investigators as Blocus’s alleged founder. The case followed unrest in Barcelona that left 130 people detained and 14 officers injured.
Shops 255 news
Through a Spanish lens, Shops covers retail, opening hours, sales, closures and consumer demand.
Readers can follow how national headlines become local stories across Spanish cities, regions, institutions and communities.
Readers can follow how national headlines become local stories across Spanish cities, regions, institutions and communities.
Clashes in Palma Prompt Riot Police Deployment
Clashes between far-left groups and Núcleo Nacional in central Palma prompted a National Police deployment on Friday evening. Shops closed early and covered their windows as groups moved towards Sant Miquel.
Seminci puts Valladolid businesses in the festival spotlight
Valladolid businesses used Seminci to put local products in front of festivalgoers. The 2025 edition drew 103,000 spectators and 2,200 audiovisual workers; one bakery estimated it would sell 800 to 900 official cakes.
Barcelona unrest leaves 100 detained and 14 shops looted
Barcelona recorded around 100 arrests and 14 looted businesses after unrest around plaza Catalunya. Emergency services received 450 related calls by 22:00. Officials said the housing encampment was unconnected.
Sol encampment puts Madrid retailers’ Christmas trade at risk
Retailers around Madrid’s Puerta del Sol say the encampment has cut sales by 30% to 70%, while Cocem estimates losses near €25 million. Shopkeepers also fear weaker trade in the run-up to Christmas.
French retailers tally hundreds of millions in riot damage
About 1,500 French businesses were affected during a weekend of unrest, with damage estimated in the hundreds of millions of euros. European markets opened lower as France’s divided Parliament debated the 2027 budget.
Mercadona shutters stores nationwide for Día de la Hispanidad
Mercadona will keep supermarkets closed across Spain on October 12 for Día de la Hispanidad and the Pilar holiday. The two-day closure, including Sunday, reflects the chain’s longstanding policy on holiday trading.
Spain's Supermarket Hours Split on 11 and 12 October
Spain's national holiday could change supermarket hours. Mercadona is generally expected to close, while selected convenience stores may open with reduced hours. Check each branch directly.
Madrid retailers set different hours for 12 October
Spain’s national holiday allows trading in Madrid, but it does not impose one timetable. Retailers and shopping centres can choose their own hours, and some branches may stay closed.
Canary Islands divide shops over 12 October openings
The 12 October 2026 retail calendars split the Canary Islands. Gran Canaria and Tenerife are scheduled to close, while five other islands permit opening and individual retailers retain control of their hours.
EU mandates new warranty labels in Spanish shops
From September 2026, every shop in Spain must display a new EU-mandated warranty notice, while some products will carry a special EU GARAN label. The changes aim to clarify legal and commercial guarantees for consumers and reshape how retailers present product durability.
Mercadona's market share stalls as inflation and fuel costs reshape Spanish supermarkets
Mercadona's market share has stopped growing as inflation and rising fuel prices push shoppers toward discount chains. With government subsidies set to expire, Spanish households face more uncertainty.
Alcoy offers up to 2300 euros for new shop openings and takeovers
Alcoy is giving entrepreneurs up to 2300 euros to open or take over a shop this year. The grant covers most eligible costs, with a bonus for signage in Valencian. Applications close 6 October.
Supermarket manager arrested after massive alcohol theft in Collado Villalba
A manager at Hiper Usera in Collado Villalba was detained for stealing over 1,400 bottles of alcohol. The stolen goods were sold to three shop owners for resale. Police recovered part of the merchandise and arrested all those involved.
Carrefour and major brands debut 'Bienvenido al Club' on Movistar Plus
Carrefour and Movistar Plus have launched 'Bienvenido al Club,' a six-episode series featuring twelve well-known brands. The project takes a fresh approach to brand integration in Spanish entertainment. The series is streaming on Movistar Plus.
Afghan Carpets Transform Madrid’s Rastro and Support 250 Families
Traditional Afghan carpets now fill Madrid’s Rastro, connecting 250 families in Surkh Aqcha to Spanish buyers. The business adapts ancient weaving to modern tastes, reshaping livelihoods and interiors across continents.
Desigual Draws Criticism for Satirical Barcelona Ad
Desigual’s new ad campaign has sparked anger in Barcelona. The brand’s attempt at humor touched a nerve with locals frustrated by tourism and gentrification. Desigual apologized but kept the video online.
Aldi Cuts Price on Multi-Port Power Strip With USB and Night Light
Aldi has dropped the price of its Workzone power strip to €9.99. It pairs three outlets with USB-A and USB-C ports, while a sensor-activated night light adds another feature. The offer, launched August 29, gives shoppers a 23% discount and targets cluttered living spaces and tech-heavy households.
Ikea Cuts Price on Classic White Sideboard in Catalonia
Ikea is clearing out its classic white Hauga sideboard in Catalonia, cutting the price by €50 until August 31 or while stocks last. The new model, with glass doors and fewer drawers, returns to the original price point. Here’s what changes and who benefits.
Madrid’s La Latina Loses Historic Newsstand as Antonio Retires Without Successor
Antonio Izquierdo has retired after three decades running his kiosk in La Latina, Madrid. With no one to take over, its closure ends a family tradition and highlights the decline of local newsstands.
Mercadona Cuts Summer Hours: 320 Stores to Close Earlier from Monday
Mercadona will return to its standard schedule in 320 supermarkets, mainly in tourist hotspots, ending extended summer hours and Sunday openings. From August 31, these stores will close at 21:30 instead of 22:00.
Spain to Launch Deposit System for Single-Use Drink Containers in November
From November, Spain will require a deposit on single-use drink containers. Consumers will pay at purchase and get the money back when they return the empty packaging. The move aims to boost recycling rates.
No 10-Cent Charge Yet: Spain Delays Deposit on Bottles and Cans
Spanish bars and supermarkets are not yet required to charge a 10-cent deposit on bottles or cans. The EU’s new packaging regulation takes effect in August 2026, but Spain’s deposit system will launch only after further national steps. Here’s what changes, and when.
Mercadona Launches 'Tienda 9' Supermarkets in Madrid and Bilbao
Mercadona has opened its first 'Tienda 9' supermarkets in Madrid and Bilbao. The company invested €11 million in these locations. The new model promises greater efficiency and a focus on fresh products.
Carrefour Brings Back the Iconic Spain Map Tablecloth for €20.95
Carrefour is offering a new version of the classic Spain and Portugal map tablecloth, a familiar sight in many Spanish homes. Sold through its marketplace for €20.95, the piece pairs vintage design with easy-care fabric. Available online, it recalls a beloved tradition.
Barcelona’s La Boqueria Market to Cut Tourist Food Stalls in Major Overhaul
Barcelona’s La Boqueria market will undergo a major renovation. The city aims to restore its local food focus and reduce tourist-oriented stalls. New rules and a €12 million upgrade are planned.
Carrefour Bans Electric Cars from Upper Parking Levels in Key Stores
Carrefour has restricted electric vehicles from upper floors in some older stores, citing structural and fire safety risks. The move highlights growing tension between green mobility and aging infrastructure.
Mercadona Holds Off on 10-Cent Deposit Scheme in Spain
Mercadona has confirmed it will not introduce the 10-cent deposit for beverage containers in Spain until further notice. Despite the new EU rules, the supermarket giant says no official start date or system details have been set for Spanish stores.
Madrid Police Arrest Two Men Linked to Five Violent Robberies
Two men with criminal records were arrested in Madrid after a series of armed robberies. One attack coincided with the August solar eclipse. Police seized a firearm and linked the suspects to five incidents.
La Huerta de Vale to Close in Cáceres After Eight Years
La Huerta de Vale, a well-known fruit and healthy food shop in Cáceres, will close after eight years. Owner Valentín Ronco cites physical and mental fatigue, leaving the project’s future open as the shop’s premises go up for rent.
September Elle Magazine Sells Out in Minutes Over Charlotte Tilbury Gift
The September issue of Elle magazine, bundled with a Charlotte Tilbury highlighter, drew a rush at newsstands in Spain. Copies vanished within minutes, with resales on Vinted reaching triple the original price.
Barcelona Invests in Public Housing to Counter Tourist Pressure in Barceloneta
Barcelona has completed or launched 70% of its €46 million plan for Barceloneta. The city is prioritizing public housing and urban renewal to help residents stay amid rising tourism, with new projects targeting schools, plazas and social spaces.
Bizum Pay Hits 1.6 Million Terminals but Lags in Spanish Stores
Bizum Pay is now compatible with over 1.6 million payment terminals in Spain, but most physical stores have yet to activate the service. Shoppers face delays as retailers hesitate to implement the new system.
Repeat Offender Arrested in Tarragona for Series of Tip Jar Thefts
A 39-year-old man with a lengthy police record was arrested in Tarragona. He is accused of stealing tip jars and valuables from four businesses. The incidents include a violent robbery and multiple thefts captured on security cameras.
Spain Delays Start of Bottle and Can Deposit System
The mandatory deposit for bottles and cans in Spain remains on hold. No official start date has been set, and supermarkets such as Mercadona are waiting for clear instructions. The change will affect prices and returns nationwide.