Going shopping in Spain is not just a chore — it’s a cultural experience. For expats in the province of Alicante, whether you’re living in Alicante city, near the coast in Torrevieja or Benidorm, or in a charming inland town like Sax or Petrer, understanding how Spanish retail works will make your day-to-day life smoother and more enjoyable. This comprehensive guide explores every retail avenue: from big department stores to traditional markets and artisan boutiques — all through the lens of expat life on the Costa Blanca and beyond.
El Corte Inglés: Spain’s Premier Department Store
The name El Corte Inglés is synonymous with quality and convenience in Spain. With a flagship location in central Alicante, this all-in-one store is a go-to for many expats. Whether you’re preparing for a new home, a wardrobe refresh, or searching for a luxury gift, you’ll find:
- Fashion for all ages, from everyday basics to high-end designers
- Beauty and skincare from international and Spanish brands
- Electronics, home appliances, and tech accessories
- Decor, textiles, and kitchenware
- A gourmet supermarket (Supercor or Hipercor)
- Travel agency, real estate office, and insurance desk
- Cafeterias, bakeries, and gift-wrapping services
You can also shop online via El Corte Inglés Online, with reliable delivery to homes throughout the province of Alicante.
Spain’s Top Fashion & Footwear Brands (Some from Alicante!)
Spain has made its mark on the global fashion scene, and many of its biggest brands are easily found throughout the province:
- Inditex (Zara, Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Stradivarius, Oysho, Pull&Bear, Zara Home): available in Alicante, Elche, and large shopping centres.
- Mango: Sophisticated fashion for all genders.
- Desigual: Iconic for its bold, colourful patterns.
- Bimba y Lola: Accessories and fashion with artistic flair.
- Camper: Trendy footwear with a Mallorcan origin.
Alicante province is a shoemaking hub, with world-renowned manufacturers:
- Pikolinos (Elche): high-quality leather shoes
- Panama Jack (Elche): durable, stylish boots and sandals
- Lodi (Elda): elegant women’s shoes
- Hoff (Elche): fashion sneakers with international flair
International and Specialised Chains
Spain’s retail scene also includes strong foreign players and specialty stores:
- Carrefour, Alcampo: massive hypermarkets with everything from groceries to electronics.
- Decathlon: perfect for outdoor lovers — from hiking in the Sierra de Mariola to beach sports.
- MediaMarkt: tech, phones, home gadgets.
- Kiabi: affordable family fashion.
- Leroy Merlin, Brico Depot: DIY and home improvement stores.
- Lidl and Aldi: German supermarket chains popular with expats.
- Action, HEMA: low-cost Dutch retailers with broad inventories.
Supermarkets in Alicante Province
Grocery shopping is central to daily life. Here’s a quick guide:
- Mercadona: Spain’s supermarket king, great variety and prices.
- Consum: Valencia-based co-op, expanding quickly in Alicante.
- Más y Más: Popular in inland and smaller towns.
- Dia: Neighbourhood stores, often with competitive prices.
- Primaprix: Discount outlet model.
- Eroski: Basque supermarket network operating throughout Spain
Most have online shops with home delivery available even in rural Alicante.
Shopping Centres: Everything Under One Roof
In the last few decades, shopping centres have transformed Spain’s retail habits. Top malls in Alicante province include:
- Gran Vía (Alicante city)
- Plaza Mar 2 (Alicante city)
- Puerta de Alicante
- L’Aljub (Elche)
- Zenia Boulevard (Orihuela Costa)
- Habaneras (Torrevieja)
- La Marina (Finestrat near Benidorm)
- Portal de la Marina (Ondara, Marina Alta)
- Carrefour San Juan (Sant Joan d’Alacant)
- Carrefour Torrevieja
All include restaurants, cinemas, fast food, fashion chains, leisure areas, and sometimes health services or banking.
The Heart of Local Commerce: Neighbourhood Shops
Despite the rise of big chains, small local shops still dominate day-to-day life, especially in inland towns like Castalla, Biar, or Cocentaina:
- Panaderías: Fresh bread and pastries
- Pescaderías: Local seafood
- Carnicerías: Quality meats, Iberian ham
- Fruterías: Seasonal fruit and vegetables, often locally grown
- Droguerías: Household supplies, cosmetics, hygiene products
These shops offer quality, friendly service, and a deep sense of local identity.
Traditional Markets: A Taste of Spain
Mercados municipales or covered markets are ideal for fresh food and local flavour:
- Mercado Central de Alicante: Iconic market in the city centre
- Mercado Central de Elche: Historic and bustling
- Mercado Sant Roc (Alcoy): Traditional stalls in a medieval town setting
Here, you’ll find stalls for meat, fish, cheeses, bread, olives, and more. Many have tapas bars and ready-to-eat food.
Weekly Street Markets (Mercadillos)
Nearly every town in Alicante province has a weekly market day. Some examples are:
- Torrevieja Friday Market: one of the largest
- Dénia Monday Market
- Jalón, Jijona, Novelda, Altea, and Villena also host popular ones
Expect a blend of:
- Fruits, nuts, spices, sweets
- Clothing, shoes, accessories
- Kitchenware, crafts, plants
- Seasonal goods (chestnuts in winter, swimsuits in summer)
- Antique, second hand
Some towns also host special markets: medieval, Christmas, flea markets, and artisan fairs.
Boutiques and Luxury Shopping
In Alicante, head to Avenida Maisonnave, Calle San Francisco, or the Explanada for:
- National luxury fashion and jewellery brands
- High-end accessories and cosmetics
- Designer homewares
Other upscale spots include:
- Elche: fashion outlets and luxury shoe shops
- Altea, Jávea, and Moraira: coastal towns with boutique culture
Chinese Bazaars and 1-Euro Shops
Chinese-run bazaars are everywhere — urban and rural. They offer:
- Cheap everyday items: stationery, home goods, basic clothing
- Seasonal decorations and tools
- Small electronics and novelty items
Prices are low, but quality can vary.
Online Shopping in Alicante
Most major Spanish retailers offer user-friendly websites and fast delivery:
- Zara.com, Mango.com, El Corte Inglés Online
- Mercadona, Consum, Carrefour for groceries
- Amazon.es is widely used and delivers reliably to most Alicante locations
Note: small markets and independent boutiques often lack online presence.
Consumer Rights and Returns in Spain
Spain offers robust consumer protections:
- 2 to 3-year guarantee on new items
- 14-day return window for online purchases
- Warranties must be honoured, and sellers must clearly state policies
If you need help in Alicante:
- OMIC Alicante: 965 230 276 / 965 981 146
- Servicio Territorial de Consumo: 966 478 170
- Junta Arbitral Provincial de Consumo: jac_alicante@gva.es
Also consult consumer advocacy groups:
- OCU (www.ocu.org)
- FACUA (www.facua.org)
- European Consumer Centre in Spain (cec.consumo.gob.es)
Practical Tips for Expats Shopping in Spain
- Opening Hours: Most shops open 10:00–14:00 and 17:00–20:30. Shopping centres open all day (10:00–22:00).
- Sales Seasons: Winter (Jan–Feb) and Summer (Jul–Aug), but many promos year-round.
- Payments: Card accepted almost everywhere. Keep cash for street markets or small shops.
- Tax Refund: Non-EU residents can request VAT refunds on eligible items at airports – Check here how to get the refund >
- Returns: Straightforward with big chains; more limited at small businesses.
- Etiquette: Staff are friendly but less formal than in Northern Europe. Take your time and enjoy the interaction.
Conclusion: Alicante’s Retail Scene in a Nutshell
Whether you’re buying fresh produce in a village market, luxury fashion in Alicante city, or artisan shoes in Elda, shopping in the province of Alicante is as diverse as its geography. It’s about convenience, tradition, and discovery — and an essential way for expats to connect with daily life on the Costa Blanca and inland Alicante.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Most shops in the province of Alicante are closed on Sundays, especially in smaller towns and inland areas.
However, large shopping centres like Zenia Boulevard (Orihuela Costa) or Plaza Mar 2 (Alicante city) may open on select Sundays or public holidays, particularly during the sales seasons or tourist high season.
Always check local schedules as opening hours can vary by municipality.
Returns and exchanges at mercadillos or small local shops (like fruterías or boutiques) are not always guaranteed and are subject to the seller’s discretion.
Unlike large chains, many of these vendors do not offer written return policies. It’s best to ask at the time of purchase.
For added protection, retain receipts and consider using card payment where possible.
For expats seeking familiar items, stores like Carrefour, El Corte Inglés, and specialty shops in Alicante city, Torrevieja, or Altea often carry international products. Larger supermarkets usually have “international aisles”, and online platforms like Amazon.es or Taste of America (for US products) are popular options for expats across the province.
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