Perfumería y droguería Mestallón, a fixture in Oviedo for over half a century, has closed permanently. Owner Raquel Iglesias cites falling sales and reflects on the uncertain future facing small local businesses.
Perfumería y droguería Mestallón, a name woven into the daily life of Oviedo for nearly 54 years, has closed its doors for good. The shop, located on Calle San Pedro Mestallón, was one of the city’s most recognized family businesses. Its closure is a stark sign of the mounting challenges facing small retailers in Spain.
Inside the now nearly empty store, owner Raquel Iglesias faces the end of a chapter that began with her parents, Ramón Iglesias and Ángela Simón, when the neighborhood was still surrounded by fields. For the past three decades, Raquel has managed the counter, witnessing the area transform and the community grow around her family’s shop.
Sales Decline Forces Closure
The decision to close was not sudden. Raquel Iglesias explains that the business had become unsustainable, with sales falling to levels that made it impossible to continue. “The business no longer supports itself,” she told COPE Asturias, expressing resignation after years of effort. She ruled out taking on debt to keep the shop afloat, arguing that borrowing is not a solution when a business cannot stand on its own.
For many locals, the closure means more than the loss of a store. Mestallón was a familiar presence, a place where neighbors exchanged news and advice as much as they bought products. Its absence leaves a gap in the daily rhythm of the barrio.
Personal Toll and Uncertain Future
Raquel’s farewell is marked by deep sadness. She recalls “many years of struggle and long hours,” and now faces the uncertainty of self-employment without the safety net of unemployment benefits. The end of Mestallón is not just a business loss, but the conclusion of a family legacy that spanned generations.
The closure also highlights the difficulties of starting over after decades of dedication. For Raquel, the prospect of launching a new venture is daunting, especially in a retail landscape increasingly dominated by large chains and franchises.
Reflection on Urban Change
In her final days behind the counter, Raquel offered a pointed reflection on the changing face of Spanish cities. She urges residents to “change their mindset and return to small, original, and different shops,” warning that city centers are becoming indistinguishable as franchises take over. “Sometimes you don’t know if you’re in Oviedo, La Coruña, or Valladolid,” she notes, emphasizing that small businesses give a city its unique character.
Community and Legacy
As she closed the shutters for the last time, Raquel was moved by the support of neighbors and fellow shopkeepers. “Neighborhoods are like family and home,” she said, underscoring the sense of community that defined Mestallón’s place in Oviedo.
Her parting message is clear: “It’s very important to support the businesses right under your home.” The story of Mestallón is a reminder of the fragile balance that keeps local commerce alive, and the personal stories behind every shopfront that disappears from Spanish streets.
According to Talent24h, the closure of Mestallón is part of a broader trend affecting small retailers across Spain, as changing consumer habits and the rise of large chains reshape the urban landscape.
