Anyone who knows me at all knows I love to shop– probably a little too much for my English teacher budget. Actually, probably a lot too much. I won’t deny it- I’m a certified shopaholic.
There’s nothing I love more than sifting through shops in a new city and finding something that will help me cherish a memory. I mean, what true shopaholic would pass up an international wardrobe?
During my travels I’m always on the lookout for a unique piece, something that I can’t find at home. The thing my friends are bound to ask about. A “conversation starter,” if you will. More and more I find myself avoiding the “Made in China” crap that most tourists gravitate towards and instead, I seek out local designers and independent artists for a truly special keepsake.
Lucky for me, Barcelona was chock full of local artisans. As our last stop on a 3-week long journey, my little cousin Sierra and I were determined to get in our last shopping fix. We dragged my parents along and began our treasure hunt.
While wandering around Barcelona’s “Born” neighborhood we stumbled across a little area called L’esquirol- Zona Artesanal- a treasure hunter’s paradise. This area is a little hub for clothing and design from the Catalan region of Spain. With every corner we turned, we uncovered pure gold. Boutique after boutique of unique handmade items by local artisans. Exquisite displays, stylish goods- we had died and gone to heaven. If only we had saved enough space in our suitcases and enough money in our wallets for a real spree.
Local Shops in Barcelona:
Kino Barcelona
C/ Vigatans, 2
Kino Barcelona is an adorable little boutique right across the street from the Jaume I metro stop. They sell elegant woman’s clothing and accessories, shoes, handmade jewelry and even home décor, mostly acquired from local designers. The girl working the shop was extremely helpful, friendly and didn’t hesitate to share information about all the shop’s designers. Against my will, all I left with was a perfect little brass bar necklace by local designer: Sybille.
What caught my eye? All of Sylbille’s delicate brass necklaces!
El Calaix
C/ L ‘Esquirol, 4
Just around the corner from Kino is El Calaix. This shop has a great selection of frilly pins, girly jewels and vintage patterned clothing. There was also a section dedicated to do-it-yourself featuring “Handmade in Barcelona” guidebooks and DIY crochet.
What caught my eye? The cute little creatures made of yarn!
Weavings Barcelona
C/ de L ‘Esquirol, 1
Across from El Calaix is Weavings Barcelona. This small but extremely bright and inviting shop sells items entirely woven by hand. Here you can find woven scarves, shawls, shoes and even woven jewelry, all in fun bright patterns and colors.
What caught my eye? The collection of vintage-inspired woven purses with brass kiss locks! 
Bon Vent Barcelona
Argenteria, 41
Bon Vent was one of the bigger stores we visited. When we first entered it seemed more like a stylish gallery than a shop- the perfect balance between fashion and decoration. The beachy displays showcase everything from modern home décor, to patterned shoes and handmade greeting cards.
What caught my eye? Silbando Bajito’s hand-painted ceramics collection. Especially the pastel party plates!
Colmado
C/ Brosolí, 5
This little Born boutique is a bit pricey, but fun to explore all the same. The word “colmado” means “full of” and this shop sure is full of some eye candy- modern, chic items from artists all over the world. The shop prides itself on the quality, exclusivity and originality of its products, featuring fashion, footwear, jewelry, art and music from a range of artistic disciplines.
What caught my eye? The geometric displays made of wooden hangers and Vaska handmade leather bags!
La Tercera
C/Brosolí, 4
La Tercera is a showroom for the two Barcelonan brands: “Name:” and “Lubochka.” It serves as a shop for these two brands as well as other locally acquired items. They sell a range of subtly exquisite items from ceramic jewelry to fashionable children’s clothing.
What caught my eye? “Working in the redwoods” wooden Asian rice bowls and chopsticks.
Labicha Creativa
C/ Mirallers, 7
As we walked down Mirallers, Labicha Creativa’s funky hippie-ish vibe snagged our attention. The store is overflowing with alternative patterned bags, charming character prints and captivating statement jewelry. Labicha’s unconventional earthy style and inventive textile designs definitely make it unique from any of the other stores we visited. It is the perfect place to uncover an unusual locally-made gift for someone at home.
What caught my eye? The bold printed Spanish fans.
Ivori-Made in Barcelona
C/ Mirallers, 7
Carola Alexandre, shop owner and designer of the brand Ivori, has brought her dream to reality. She has opened a shop emphasizing the beauty of “made in Barcelona” goods. Everything in the store has been gathered from the Catalan region of Spain, if not made in Barcelona itself. She has brought together many key names in the local design scene such as Srta Bolitas, Alexandre Neddermann (her own with friend Alba Neddermann), Lubochka and Name, among various others. From these talented artists, she collects simple, elegant items of impeccable quality and pure Catalan style.
What caught my eye? I have to say my favorite jewelry collection of the bunch- both original and incredibly wearable. A fantastic collection of thin stacking rings!
The Box
C/ Brosolí, 8
Hidden away deep in the district of Born, you’ll find The Box. The Box is quite literally a white box-shaped space showcasing exclusively local independent designers. The shop is owned by three of Barcelona’s very own designers, Elena Gallego, Nerea Lurgain and Olga Prat, who focus on highlighting their products through simple décor and minimalistic displays.
What caught my eye? Hand-sewn fashions, edgy costume jewels, unique patterned bowties and colored-block clutches.
Do you like to support locals when you travel? Do you think supporting local vendors and designers is important? I’d love to hear your opinion in the comments below!
Support Local Series: In my Support Local Series I share all about the local experiences I have during my travels! Wherever I go I like to uncover the “off the beaten track” hidden gems including restaurants, artists, designers, craftsmen, farmers, vendors and more! If you’re someone who likes to shop small and bring home unique gifts, seek out truly one-of-a-kind souvenirs & experiences, or simply loves to support the locals, you’ve come to the right place! Have a local story you’d like to share? Shoot me an E-mail at Lauren@laurenonlocation.com
Like to support local? Pin this post and save it for later!
This post first appeared on Lauren on Location on August 13th, 2014 and therefore some of the information, especially the stock in the photos, may vary.
Welcome to Wanderful Wednesdays!
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I love to shop, but generally when traveling I don’t shop. Maybe a few travel knickknacks but that’s it. But all of these items definitely look so unique and definitely have a Spanish feel to them! Maybe I should stop being such a scrooge and start shopping when we travel! #WanderfulWednesdays
I try not to shop when I travel, but sometimes I just can’t help it. Especially if I know I have a friend or family member’s birthday coming up or some kind of holiday like Christmas. I always want to bring home a unique, special gift! 😀
so much cute stuff! I love all the necklaces – that’s what I tend to buy for myself when I travel. magnets and mugs aren’t really my thing. I’d rather have a piece I can wear and love and remember my trip 🙂 plus supporting local businesses is always a bonus!
Exactly how I feel ! 😀 Rather have something I can use and cherish than something that is just going to collect dust on my shelf.
some pretty cool shops! #wanderfulwednesday
Thanks Tanja! 😀
I love how your mentality for getting something unique that will help you remember your time in a specific country or city, but also getting something that helps to support local businesses and business owners. The jewelry that you found in some of those shops is so pretty, and those hangers from colmado are so cool!
Thanks Ashley! If I’m going to shop, the least I can do is support the locals in the process. 😀
I usually hate shopping but I enjoy it when I’m traveling. There is so much character to all the local shops that make them so much more appealing to me. Even when I’m home I try and shop locally as much as I can. #wanderfulwednesday.
Good for you Allison! I like shopping wherever I am, but I try to cut down while I’m at home to save for travel and travel souvenirs 😀
Urgh I love boutiques like that! They have so many pretty things I totally don’t need but would like to have so trust me, you’re not alone in spending way too much money on shopping 😀
Good to know I’m not the only shop-a-holic out there Van 😛
I’m not much of a shopper but your photos of those adorable products (like the yarn animals – oh my goodness) might convince me to shop more if I get to Barcelona!
As long as your supporting the local, independent artists, I don’t think you’ll be doing any harm 😛
I try to avoid shopping as i try to travel light but i do love artisan shops! I think one of those necklaces from Kino Barcelona would have made it round my neck! Gorgeous!
Aren’t they just beautiful! And also nice and small- the perfect souvenir 😀
I love your focus on making sure to shop locally and support smaller businesses when travelling. I don’t usually shop when I travel because I consider the photos I take my “souvenirs”. But the one thing I do look for and have a made to try and get whenever I travel is local tea. I don’t drink coffee so tea is my thang.
Yum! ‘m a tea love and usually try it in different places when I travel, but have never thought about bringing some home! Such a good idea 😀
Yay for local, independent shops, they are the best! I tend not to buy much from my travels now as I feel like we will keep moving so I am trying to always embrace minimalism… though that doesn’t always work 😉
I’ve tried to embrace minimalism ….. It doesn’t really work for me hahha .. But also, I’d rather bring home one nice small souvenir from a special place, then a bunch of plastic junk. So I guess we could call this minimalistic shopping? (I tried …. )
Lauren, this is so cool! I am into buying unique pieces when I travel. I prefer things I can wear because I remember the country they came from when I wear them. During my last trip, I got pieces from local artisans in Krakow and Bratislava. I think it is a good way yo support local entrepreneurs. Some of them tell you a story of their life and that makes the piece more unique.
I so agree Ruth! I love having something I can actually use or wear as a keepsake because I’m more likely to remember that way! I also love supporting locals when I travel, so I often buy things I don’t even need just because I feel like I’m helping them out …… Makes for great gifts though! 😀
I’m with you, I love shopping at local places to find unique and one of a kind pieces. When I traveled to Barcelona, I bought a pair of embellished sandals and they’ve been one of my favorite pair. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that they have a fun story to share and tell when people complement and ask where I got them from.
Oooo those sandals sound amazing! I love having a story behind what I bring home. It makes it all the more special 😀
They are all SO cute!! I would’ve had a hard time leaving with just one piece!
That’s always my biggest problem ….
I love the book cut outs. To display jewelry. So creative!
Aren’t they awesome 😀
I am not a shopper but like Weavings Barcelona, which seems like my kind of shop for shawls and scarves.
Weavings had so many amazing one-of-a-kind pieces! My mom absolutely loved it!
These all look like such great boutiques. I’m a big fan of shopping local so I could easily have gone wild here – good thing I didn’t have time to go shopping when we went to Barcelona in July or else I could have gotten into big trouble!
I only had one day for shopping in Barcelona, and sure got into my fair share of trouble 😛
Barcelona is one of many cities I wish we has spent more time exploring. We just ran out of time for shopping like this. Too bad, because I can see here we missed some great local one of a kind finds. Love the shoes you found :0
Thanks so much Rhonda! I was so happy to have stumbled across this area with all the shops. Aside from the stores there were so many cafés, restaurants and galleries in the area! It was really fun to just wander around. Guess you’ll just have to go back to Barcelona soon! 😀
The weavings are gorgeous! I’ve never been to Barcelona, just the south. It’s such a beautiful country and BIG, so much to see.
Spain is my absolute favorite!! 😀
I LOVE this kind of shopping! What an awesome corner of Barcelona to find. I will definitely be marking these places the next time I end up back in that awesome city! Love the photos, too, of course, feels like I’m there right with ya!
Thanks Christy! I really really loved the area! So artsy and alternative! Maybe someday we’ll be able to go shopping together 😀
I love Barcelona but the last time I visited was like ten years ago. I really need to plan another trip, these shops look great!