Souvenir shops continue to proliferate along Barcelona's Avenida Gaudí, pushing out long-standing local businesses despite municipal efforts to control their spread. This trend significantly alters the commercial character of the area, which connects the Sagrada Família and Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site.

Xavier Soriano, owner of the historic Floristería Soriano, recently received another offer to sell his shop. His family has operated the florist business since 1940, enjoying prime views of the Sagrada Família. "This time it was a good offer," Mr Soriano admitted, highlighting the pressure on traditional establishments.

He explained his reasons for considering the offer. "I've been holding on for my father and grandfather, because my family has been here since 1940," Mr Soriano stated. "However, I earn my living from other businesses now; selling flowers here makes little sense. This avenue presents many problems."

Growing Concerns from Local Merchants

Gaudí Shopping, the local merchants' association, reports a surge in new souvenir shops. They note that at least half a dozen such businesses opened on Avenida Gaudí in the last year alone. This brings the total to around 20 new souvenir-focused shops in recent years.

This commercial shift has resulted in the loss of a third of the area's traditional commerce. Many shirt shops, haberdasheries, and grocery stores have closed. "We slowly lost our regular customers," Mr Soriano added. "Children moved out of the neighbourhood, and tourists constantly walk from Sant Pau to the Sagrada Família. What do tourists buy?"

The association also expressed concern over six empty premises on the avenue. They fear these will soon become more souvenir outlets. "The area's offerings become poorer, and city residents turn their backs on it," Mr Soriano explained. "Rent prices also do not help local businesses."

City Council's Efforts and Loopholes

Barcelona City Council has tried for years to curb the growth of souvenir shops. In 2018, it approved a modification to the 2008 plan for regulating souvenir shops. This extended a veto on new souvenir businesses around the Sagrada Família, including parts of Avenida Gaudí.

However, a significant loophole undermines these regulations. Shops can register under multiple categories, such as textiles or crafts. They can then dedicate up to 20% of their floor space to other products not listed in their primary categories. These items must be placed at the back of the shop.

This allows many disguised souvenir shops to operate. Their facades often display items like Pablo Escobar t-shirts, while Gaudi-inspired flamenco dancers appear further inside. Alok Lahad, from the Associació de Negocis Turístics de Catalunya (ANTC), criticised these restrictions.

Industry Calls for Clearer Regulation

The ANTC represents about 300 businesses in the Eixample district, home to 260,000 residents, and other tourist areas. Mr Lahad argued that current restrictions "even violate European law." He questioned the council's approach. "Where in the world does the City Council tell you where to put your items?" he asked.

Mr Lahad reported that municipal technicians have suggested placing souvenirs behind screens or curtains. He also noted that fines are continuous and amount to several thousand euros each. "These rules never stopped the growth of these businesses," Mr Lahad stated. "As long as tourists come, they will open in any way, as bazaars, clothing shops, gift shops."

He called for a new approach. "What we need is for souvenir shops to be truly recognised and a specific, proper regulation approved," Mr Lahad explained. "It makes no sense for the inspector to decide what is or isn't a souvenir. We are willing to sit down with the City Council and work on this."

Future of Avenida Gaudí

Mayor Jaume Collboni's government presented a special plan for the neighbourhood in late 2024. This plan includes 37 actions over three years, backed by 15 million euros. The goal is to boost commercial diversity, reduce tourism impact, and recover neighbourhood spaces.

Despite the challenges, Avenida Gaudí retains some local character. It features 112 premises, including clothing shops, jewellers, two hardware stores, an orthopaedics shop, and a philately shop. Around 20 premises are tourist-focused bars and restaurants.

An upcoming international event, the Tour de France team presentation at Sant Pau, will see cyclists pedal down Avenida Gaudí to the Sagrada Família. This event could draw global attention to the area. Many believe the City Council must act decisively to preserve the avenue's unique identity and support its local businesses moving forward.

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Originally published by La Vanguardia Barcelona. Read original article.