Barcelona residents rate local stores as the best place to shop

Residents believe that they receive better service from local retailers when doing their shopping. Satisfaction levels are very high, with customers opting to do their regular shopping at local shops. This data was collected in the Municipal Omnibus survey in the last quarter of 2016 and confirms that commerce in the city is valued positively by citizens.

Consumers in Barcelona are very satisfied with small retailers. According to data collected in the Municipal Omnibus survey, half of the people interviewed identified local shops as the place where they feel they get the best customer service (50.9%) compared to 27.1% who feel that they receive better service in the municipal markets.

This positive evaluation is based on various aspects of the shopping process which locals consider important, such as, honesty (94.9%), quality of service (94.6%), and professionalism (93.5%).

In terms of shopping habits in Barcelona, the results from the last quarter of 2016 highlight that local retailers are the preferred option for 90% of citizens when it comes to buying food, fresh produce and other everyday items.

Furthermore, citizens' preference for local shops contributes to more sustainable commerce. Since basic supplies can be obtained locally, the vast majority of purchases can be made on foot. So much so that, by purchasing food (83.8%), fresh produce (85.4%) and other everyday products (81.9%) locally, usage of the transport system becomes less significant.

Regarding other purchases, such as clothing and footwear, specialist local shops are still the top choice (44.8%) ahead of other types of establishment. The same trend can be seen when it comes to buying goods related to culture and leisure (62.3%).

For more information, the Municipal Omnibus survey from the last quarter of 2016 regarding city trade and shopping habits of consumers in Barcelona can be consulted here: https://ajuntament.barcelona.cat/comerc/ca/documentacio/enquestes/omnibus-municipal