Retail
Casa González & González, Chueca
This pint-sized homeware repository offers an antidote to those mindful of the proliferation of plastic in the home. Childhood friends María Rosa González and Javier Carrasco González opened the small shop after searching the globe for time-tested household alternatives. Wares include wooden utensils, Falcon Enamelware, Noda Horo ceramics and hard-to-find treasures such as yutanpo (metallic Japanese hot-water bottles) and malgas (wide bowls made from cork used by southeastern Iberian shepherds).
Sportivo, Conde Duque
With two locations within walking distance of each other, Sportivo founder Goyo Otero has helped to slowly transform the Conde Duque district into an independent retail haven. “I regularly go on buying trips to keep our selection up to date,” says Otero, who has been in the business for nearly three decades. The multi-brand menswear shop opened its second boutique in 2023, offering a more elevated experience of Danish, Japanese and Italian labels, complementing an assortment of handcrafted accessories.
Mini, Conde Duque
What started as a small and aptly named shop has moved across the plaza to a bigger and bolder location – but the name stuck. Think T-shirts by Comme des Garçons with Carhartt jackets, JW Anderson jumpers and blazers by Engineered Garments, all accented with a stylish selection of trainers and baseball caps. The boutique offers both formal and casual styles that reflect the owner’s relaxed attitude about bringing together smart, simple and fresh collections.
Casa Loewe, Salamanca
Among luxury giant Loewe’s crafted leather goods and high-fashion threads, pride of place is given to collaborations with local artists such as Gloria García Lorca, whose striking ceramic-tile installation emulates an aerial view of the Spanish landscape. The label’s penchant for idiosyncrasy is evident in its unique selection of furniture, textiles and ornaments.
La Fábrica, Las Letras
La Fábrica had already been running as a publishing house and cultural promoter for 18 years when, in 2013, a café and concept shop was introduced to the expanded two-floor space. Spot its bright-red awning in a quiet alley behind the busy Paseo del Prado. Inside, photo books and art titles fill the shelves, while the rest of the space is taken up by china, T-shirts, Spanish wine, stationery and flowers. “We try to promote people who are well known abroad but don’t have as much space at home,” says La Fábrica’s María Peláez.
Ivorypress, Cuatro Caminos
Elena Ochoa Foster founded Ivorypress in London in 1996, transforming an old Barcelona printing factory and garage into a modern publishing house specialising in collaborations with artists such as Anish Kapoor, Ron Arad and Maya Lin. It’s now a slick multidisciplinary operation: the retail wing has an adjacent conference space, while an acclaimed gallery has drawn admiring crowds since 2009. The beautifully designed space hints at the founder’s appreciation for considered architecture.
Javier S Medina Artesano, Malasaña
Javier Sánchez Medina, who hails from Extremadura in southern Spain, adopted the region’s tradition of cane workmanship to create quirky decorative animal heads and intricately woven mirror frames. He transformed an old garage in Malasaña into a studio-cum-shop where you can watch him work and pick up the perfect souvenir. Be sure to visit his similarly styled sister café and bar, Pan y Pepinillos, just a short stroll up the same street.
Misia, Conde Duque
With an ever-evolving selection of independent, mainly women-owned labels, Cándida Ledo Cordeiro opened her womenswear emporium in 2019. Brands include Amsterdam-based Extreme Cashmere, High Sport from Los Angeles and London’s Le Monde Béryl. Ledo Cordeiro amplifies the idea of longevity by encouraging clients to choose durable and versatile high-quality garments that aren’t simply one-season wonders.
Antigua Casa Crespo, Malasaña
Entering Madrid’s most famous espadrille shop is like walking into the past. Everything dates back to 1863 when the business, now run by fourth-generation owner Maxi Garbayo, was founded. Casa Crespo initially specialised in selling straw, ropes and simple sandals. Today its craftsmen make and sell espadrilles in various styles and colours. “We’re the only espadrille store in Madrid with its own factory,” says Garbayo, whose shoes continue to be made in the village of Cervera del Río Alhama.
Óptica Toscana, Chueca
Founded back in 1992, Óptica Toscana quickly established itself as one of Madrid’s most fashionable eyewear boutiques. In a nod to the shop’s storied past, glasses are filed in apothecary drawers; seeds and spices were sold here in the 19th century. Today you can peruse sought-after spectacles from established and emerging designers.
