Large distribution chains, such as Inditex, Leroy Merlin or El Corte Inglés, are already opening their stores of more than 400 square meters throughout Spain, but limiting spaces of attention to the public within them.

The initial de-escalation plan contemplated that currently, in phases 0 and 1, they could only open shops of less than 400 square meters, but in a ministerial order published in the Official State Gazette this weekend this criterion was modified. Now it is allowed to open to any business, regardless of its size, as long as it limits a space of 400 square meters maximum within its surface.

For example, a multi-storey store, such as the Primark de Gran Vía, in Madrid, can open as long as it dedicates only a part for sale to the public. El Corte Inglés has already opened most of its department stores, which until now were closed and only had the food section open.

What they have done in the company has been to open in each of the establishments a space of 400 square meters in the space closest to the access door. As company sources explain, "it is not that there is a mini Corte Inglés in those 400 square meters" , but that the area that was most accessible has been opened. In each center there is a space for sale: in one is the shoe store area; in another, that of bags; in another, stationery ...

The super experience

In each department store, the director of the center manages what part to limit and how to do it . "Each one opens the area that is most accessible. As the food area was already open, we were prepared, with all the safety and hygiene protocols, that were already working in supermarkets," they point out.

El Corte Inglés has a preferential schedule for people over 65 years of age , as, in fact, all businesses, both small and large chains, must have (requires regulations).

The Inditex Group is also opening its largest stores. The opening of stores of less than 400 square meters has already started last week, but by appointment.

This week the Galician group is already opening flagship stores, as the most emblematic spaces it has in the center of large cities are called. They are not all being opened at once, but they will be opening "as soon as possible and with the appropriate adaptations."

Zara Opening

The Zara store on Calle Serrano, Madrid, is already open, for example. With out PRIVIOUSE appointment. Also that of Compostela, in A Coruña, or that of Paseo de Gracia, in Barcelona.

In all of them, the bounded areas of 400 meters are on the ground floor, the most accessible to the public, with access through one door and exit through another and a lobby area where the client can wait if the capacity is full.

Inside the store, customers have a selection of items from all women's collections and the most representative of boys and men. Inditex, like the rest of the textile trade, has reinforced hygiene in stores, fitting rooms, and the garments that the customer buys and ultimately does not wear are disinfected.

In addition , the Swedish fashion firm H&M plans to reopen 27 of its stores in Spain starting this Friday, according to Europa Press.

Leroy Merlin

The DIY chain Leroy Merlin has also decided to open its points of sale in Spain, setting a maximum limit of 400 m2 and a capacity of 30%.

Each store "will adapt its service and sales format to the characteristics of the space and the needs of local customers, always following the instructions of the authorities." This reopening to the general public joins the online sales and telephone sales channels, where private and professional clients can find advice.

In accordance with the criteria of The Trust Project

Know more

  • Inditex Group
  • The English Court
  • Madrid
  • Zara
  • Spain
  • Barcelona

Coronavirus Sanidad advises companies not to carry out rapid diagnostic tests on their employees

ConsumptionEl Corte Inglés will distribute food prepared at home by Deliveroo

EmpresasZara reopens its doors in France: more than a kilometer of queue in front of stores