Barcelona lost one in four haberdasheries and drugstores between 2016 and 2024, while the number of shoe and leather-goods shops fell by almost 30%, according to municipal commercial-premises census data reported by Nació Digital and betevé.
For residents who rely on neighbourhood retailers, the change means fewer local places to buy sewing supplies, household goods, fish, poultry and meat outside supermarket chains. Fewer than 200 haberdasheries now remain across the city.
Fishmongers and seafood shops recorded 141 closures over the eight-year period, almost a quarter of the 2016 total. Egg and poultry shops declined by 15%, while butcher’s shops declined by 10%.
Sant Andreu shop faces an uncertain succession
Ramon Martínez Perelló, the third generation to run Merceria Perelló in Sant Andreu, said the shop has remained open by changing its offer to meet customers’ needs. He is uncertain whether a fourth generation will take over the family business.
“We are surviving by adapting like a chameleon to the customer and what they ask for today.”
The census trend also includes the closure of the historic Merceria Tarragona in Gràcia, which shut after 109 years of trading, betevé reported.
Shoe shops and food retailers also decline
At least 250 shoe and leather-goods businesses closed in less than a decade, equivalent to about 30% of the number operating in 2016. Drugstores and perfumeries also fell by 25%, according to the municipal census comparison.
- Haberdasheries and drugstores: down by 25% between 2016 and 2024.
- Shoe and leather-goods shops: down by almost 30%, with at least 250 closures.
- Fishmongers and seafood shops: down by 141 premises, almost 25%.
- Egg and poultry shops: down by 15%.
- Butcher’s shops: down by 10%.
The reported census figures show fewer than 200 haberdasheries operating in Barcelona in the latest count.
Primary sources: ajuntament.barcelona.cat, Ajuntament de Barcelona. Reported by Source Text Link, beteve.cat, Pere Roca Soler, Nació Digital.
