We can consider unique shops to be those establishments that stand out for their originality, for offering a unique theme, or even for their design. But in this article, we will focus on a few that have managed to maintain their uniqueness over time. They are not all, although there are fewer and fewer, but we consider them to be representative of a commercial fabric that not so long ago was very characteristic of the neighborhood.
Three examples: One, the heir and last witness to this fishing and seafaring La Barceloneta, is Hilados Donado. A business selling thread, rope, nets, and items for fishing and sailing, which remains unchanged 80 years after its opening. Another is the watchmaker’s workshop at Joyería Cánovas. A secret place where they still work by hand, as they did decades ago, repairing watches and assembling jewelry. Because restoring your grandfather’s forgotten watch is emotionally priceless.
And a third is Encuadernaciones Bermejo. One of the few manual bookbinding workshops left in the city. Authentic gems pass through their hands to be restored, or documents and books that require special treatment to make them unique. These are three examples of a unique trade that is now very rare, refusing to disappear by adapting to the times but always without losing its essence.
They used to be abundant in every neighborhood, but today they are becoming scarce in all neighborhoods, to the point of disappearing altogether in many cases. They are our local businesses, but they are also our most unique local businesses.
Some time ago, people would go down to Barceloneta to eat paella, but also to shop.
