Associations and guilds

The retailers’ associations and guilds strive to offer Barcelona residents high-quality, varied commerce that has a cohesive effect on the city’s neighbourhoods. They also help to discuss and manage commerce policies for the Barcelona brand and make the city one big shop that is open to the world. Thanks to the shared efforts of both groups, shopping in Barcelona has become a unique, pleasant and comfortable experience.

The power of associated shops

There is a great tradition of retailers’ associations in Barcelona. Joining an association is synonymous with invigorating the city’s neighbourhoods through initiatives that improve the competitiveness of businesses, develop the identity of the shopping area and adapt to changes in consumer habits.

Joining an association is a gateway to:

Direct channel of communication with public bodies and administrations.
Access to information and continuous training to improve the management and modernisation of the business on regulations, subsidies, etc.
Participate in communication and trade promotion campaigns.
Taking part in digitalisation projects and services and enjoying technological advances.

Associationism promotes local commerce and fosters values such as sustainability, solidarity, co-creation and collaboration between businesses. Furthermore, it helps to build and disseminate the territory’s identity and reinforce its singularity. Associations are vital for making Barcelona’s commerce more cohesive. Thanks to their work, the city’s commercial fabric is moving in the same direction.

Guilds: organisations with centuries of history

Crafts are vital for the commerce in our neighbourhoods. The tradition of forming professional guilds goes way back, but it continues to be vital for having a strong, cohesive commercial network. All the city’s guilds, from bakers to booksellers, help to present Barcelona to the world as one big shop.