Lluís Sans, president of the Asociación del Paseo de Gràcia and owner of the 1843-founded luxury store Santa Eulàlia, told Cronicaglobal that between 85% and 90% of businesses on the street opened on Wednesday 11 November despite the general strike, though many plan to close by 16:30 due to expected picket activity.
Shops above Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes remained largely open, while some below it closed temporarily as pickets approached. Cronicaglobal reported that demonstrators had thrown flares at stores including Zara, placed stickers on Uniqlo, and piled rubbish outside Bershka. & Other Stories remained closed all day.
“We’re used to it. What happened a few weeks ago was much worse,”
said a Uniqlo security guard, referring to the looting on 24 October.
One shop manager, speaking anonymously to Cronicaglobal, said footfall was down to 10% of normal levels and predicted sales would reach only 20% of usual turnover.
“That worries us more than the disturbances,”
he said, before alerting staff:
“I’m being told CGT, UGT and CCOO are coming down with flares and are fully mobilised.”
Most retailers stayed open in the morning, adopting a strategy of partial operation until pickets arrived. While violence is not expected at the 17:30 demonstration, the association anticipates possible disruptions later in the afternoon.
Sources: Crónica Global.
