Bazar Xu, a fixture in Vitoria-Gasteiz since 1999, will close between September and October 2026 as owner Hua Lan retires following health challenges. The shop is offering a 50% liquidation sale, marking the end of an era for generations of local residents.
After nearly three decades serving the Sancho el Sabio neighborhood, Bazar Xu will close its doors for good between September and October 2026. The decision comes as owner Hua Lan, now 70, steps back following a recent spinal surgery, bringing an end to one of Vitoria-Gasteiz’s longest-standing family businesses.
Opened in 1999 in a 260-square-meter space, Bazar Xu quickly became a go-to destination for toys, school supplies, gifts, and household essentials. Over the years, it has seen generations of customers grow up, with many returning as adults or bringing their own children to the shop. The store’s shelves, once packed with a wide variety of goods, will now be gradually emptied as all remaining stock is sold at a 50% discount until the final closure.
Family Roots and Community Ties
The story of Bazar Xu began long before its opening. In 1991, Hai Bin, Hua Lan’s husband, arrived in Spain from Qingtian county in China’s Zhejiang province, seeking new opportunities. Five years later, Hua Lan and their two children, Xu Jun and Xu Jie, joined him. The family initially worked in a Chinese restaurant, saving enough to launch their own venture. By 1999, they had established one of the first shops of its kind in Vitoria, which soon became both their livelihood and a familiar presence in the neighborhood.
Throughout the shop’s 27-year history, Hua Lan remained the face behind the counter, while her children helped out during their youth before pursuing their own careers—Xu Jie now works in a warehouse on Avenida del Atlántico, and Xu Jun in a nearby restaurant. The family has witnessed the transformation of the area, from the growth of the sequoia tree at the entrance of Calle Gorbea to the arrival of the tram and the evolving needs of their customers.
Health and the Decision to Close
Hua Lan’s recent back surgery, performed in China, was the turning point. Despite her reluctance to leave the business she built, her health made the decision unavoidable. “It saddens me, but I have no choice,” she explained. Upon returning to Vitoria, she recognized it was time to rest and close this chapter of her life.
Until the final day, the shop will continue to serve its loyal clientele, offering all products at half price. The liquidation is not just a sale, but a farewell gesture to the community that has supported the family for so many years. Hua Lan hopes to thank her customers personally as the shelves empty and the shop prepares to close for the last time.
Marking the End of an Era
The closure of Bazar Xu marks the end of a 35-year journey that began with Hai Bin’s arrival in Spain. The shop’s departure will leave a noticeable gap in the daily life of Sancho el Sabio, where it has long provided quick solutions for urgent purchases and last-minute gifts. As the city continues to evolve, the disappearance of such family-run businesses reflects broader changes in local commerce and community life.
Vitoria’s retail landscape has seen similar transformations in recent years, with shopping centers like H2O in Rivas Vaciamadrid investing in new experiences and modernized spaces to attract visitors, as highlighted in coverage of H2O’s summer upgrades. The story of Bazar Xu stands as a reminder of the personal histories and community bonds behind every neighborhood shop.
