
The First Ring: Roots
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CHRONICLES
Chapter 1.11
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The history of department stores in Spain reflects an evolutionary path closely tied to the socio-economic and cultural transformations of the country, from the late 19th century to the present day. The first Spanish department stores were inspired by European models, particularly French and British, and were characterized by large spaces where consumers could find a wide range of products, organized into thematic categories.
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These stores revolutionized the commercial landscape, influencing purchasing habits and significantly contributing to the modernization of retail in Spain. The cities of Madrid and Barcelona, key players in Spanish commerce, were home to the first department stores, often luxurious, designed to cater to a wealthy clientele and introduce a new way of shoppin
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SEPU (Sociedad Española de Precios Únicos), active since 1928, stood out for its catchy slogan "Quien calcula compra en SEPU" ("Who calculates buys from SEPU"), playing a pioneering role in the landscape of Spanish department stores. However, due to growing competition and economic difficulties, it closed in 2002. Despite being the first department store with modern features, SEPU was not the only example of commercial innovation at the time.
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Department stores such as Can Jorba in Barcelona and other smaller operators began to spread to major Spanish cities around the same time. Despite this, SEPU remains a historical icon for its pioneering role in the development of department stores in Spain.
Can Jorba, one of Barcelona's main department stores, was designed by architect Arnald Calvet i Peyronill and opened on 25 October 1926. It was notable for introducing innovations such as escalators, the first in a commercial building in Spain, and for offering additional services, such as a post office, a travel agency, and a nursery. Located at the corner of Avinguda del Portal de l'Àngel and Carrer de Santa Anna, the building is a significant example of Art Deco architecture in Catalonia.
In 1963, the building was acquired by GalerÃas Preciados, which continued its commercial operations until 1995, when the company declared bankruptcy. In 1995, El Corte Inglés purchased the building, adapting it to house one of its branches, which remained operational until its final closure on August 31, 2024.
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El Corte Inglés, founded in 1935 by Ramón Areces RodrÃguez, is emblematic of the growth of department stores in Spain. Starting from a small tailor's shop in Madrid, the company quickly expanded its offerings, becoming a retail giant. After the Spanish Civil War, El Corte Inglés benefitted from the increasing demand of the middle class, expanding its network of stores and diversifying its product range. This period solidified its leading position in the sector.
The success of El Corte Inglés lay in its wide range of products, excellent customer service, and innovative policies, such as easy returns and seasonal sales, which attracted an ever-growing customer base.
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GalerÃas Preciados, founded in 1943 by PepÃn Fernández, became one of El Corte Inglés' main competitors until the 1990s. Despite its initial success, the company faced financial difficulties and was acquired by El Corte Inglés in 1995.
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In the early years of Francisco Franco's regime (1939-1975), Spain adopted a policy of economic autarky, limiting imports and promoting self-sufficiency. This policy negatively impacted department stores, which traditionally relied on a wide range of products, including imported goods. The shortage of consumer goods limited department stores' ability to meet the population's demand.
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SEPU, came under suspicion by the regime due to its Swiss origins and Jewish ownership. During the Franco regime, SEPU faced political pressure and restrictions, but managed to operate despite these difficulties.
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With the economic stabilization plan of 1959, the regime began to liberalize the economy, encouraging foreign capital inflows and the opening of new markets, creating a more favorable environment for the development of department stores. During this period, El Corte Inglés emerged as the dominant player in the industry. Its ability to adapt to consumer needs, coupled with effective management, made it the undisputed market leader.
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Urbanization and the growth of the middle class during the 1960s and 1970s facilitated the development of department stores, which became central to Spanish family consumption. Their offerings expanded to include not only clothing and luxury goods but also appliances, household goods, and food, transforming department stores into all-encompassing shopping destinations.
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With Spain's entry into the European Union, the country underwent an economic transformation, and new players emerged in the market. The rise of shopping centers and the spread of international brands posed new challenges for traditional department stores.
Digitalization forced department stores to invest in e-commerce to stay competitive. El Corte Inglés, in particular, adopted digital strategies to compete with giants like Amazon.
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The Franco era laid the foundation for the dominance of El Corte Inglés, which continued to grow even after the end of the regime. The economic liberalization of the 1960s and urbanization pushed the department store sector towards greater modernization and integration with global trade, making innovation, adaptation, and cultural integration central themes in the history of department stores in Spain.
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Ultimately, the history of department stores in Spain represents a journey through the country’s economic, social, and cultural transformations, evolving from symbols of luxury to centers of social interaction and innovation. Despite the challenges posed by globalization and digitalization, these places continue to reinvent themselves, demonstrating extraordinary resilience and an ability to adapt that keeps their relevance alive.
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The future of Spanish department stores will depend on their ability to integrate emerging technologies, respond to the needs of an increasingly sustainability-conscious consumer, and find new ways to combine physical and digital experiences. In a constantly evolving world, the question remains: what will the next chapter in this fascinating story of innovation and transformation be?
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To be continued..
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