Madrid, the capital city of Spain, is known for its rich culture and history. It is also a shopper’s paradise with numerous stores offering a wide range of products to suit all budgets and preferences. Among these stores, the largest one stands out not only for its size but also for its variety of products.
Located in the heart of Madrid, El Corte Inglés is the largest department store in Spain and Europe. With over 70 years of history, this store has become an icon of Spanish retail and a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
The store occupies several buildings that are interconnected by bridges and walkways, making it easy to navigate despite its vast size. The main building alone has nine floors that offer everything from fashion to food, electronics to home decor.
One of the highlights of El Corte Inglés is its extensive selection of fashion items. From luxury brands like Chanel and Dior to affordable labels like Zara and Mango, there is something for everyone. The store also has a dedicated section for beauty products where shoppers can find high-end cosmetics as well as drugstore brands.
Apart from fashion and beauty, El Corte Inglés also has a large selection of home decor products. From furniture to kitchen appliances, shoppers can find everything they need to decorate their homes in style.
Foodies will be delighted by the Gourmet Experience – a food hall that offers a range of gastronomic delights from Spain and around the world. The food hall features restaurants, cafes, bars, and even a cooking school where visitors can learn how to make traditional Spanish dishes.
In addition to shopping and dining options, El Corte Inglés also hosts cultural events such as art exhibitions and concerts throughout the year.
Overall, El Corte Inglés is not just a store but an experience. Its sheer size and variety make it a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Madrid. So whether you’re in the market for a new outfit, a gourmet meal, or just want to soak up some Spanish culture, El Corte Inglés has got you covered.
- Key Highlights:
- Largest department store in Spain and Europe
- Nine floors of shopping
- Extensive selection of fashion and beauty products
- Large selection of home decor items
- Gourmet Experience food hall with restaurants, cafes, bars and cooking school
- Cultural events throughout the year
History of El Corte Inglés
El Corte Inglés was founded in 1935 by Ramón Areces. It started as a small tailor shop in Madrid and grew over the years to become the largest department store chain in Spain. Today, it has over 90 stores across Spain and Portugal and employs over 90,000 people.
The Name “El Corte Inglés”
The name “El Corte Inglés” translates to “The English Cut” in English. It is said that Ramón Areces chose this name because he was inspired by the precision and quality of English tailoring. However, over time, the store expanded beyond just selling clothes and became a one-stop-shop for all kinds of products.
Conclusion
In conclusion, El Corte Inglés is not just a store but an institution in Spain. Its size and variety make it a shopper’s paradise while its cultural events make it a hub for art lovers and music enthusiasts. So whether you’re looking for designer clothes or trying to find unique souvenirs to take back home, El Corte Inglés should definitely be on your Madrid itinerary.