Spanish Stores, and Their Equivalents in the U.S.

Some things are the same, no matter where in the world you go. I´ve learned this time and again living abroad for almost 2 years. So, strictly for your amusement (or maybe this will be legitimately helpful to someone, who knows?) I've compiled a list of five Spanish stores, and their counterparts in the United States. 

El Corte Inglés

credit: Wikipedia

Corte Inglés is a huge department store. Its twin in the United States would most likely be Macy's, if Macy's had a grocery store in the basement. At Corte Inglés, you can find anything your heart desires, from  designer clothes, to shoes, to make up and furniture. There is usually one in every large city (and in some small one), and they're usually 6 or more floors. And, like Macy's, they have an awesome Christmas window display.

Stradivarius

credit: Fashion from Spain

Stradivarius is Hollister, hands down. Like everyone's favorite discriminatory company, it's dark, plays loud music, and it reeks of enough perfume to make an entire football team smell good. The clothes aren't quite that ¨beachy-preppy¨ look Hollister has going on, but I swear, like Hollister, they make the sizes smaller so that you feel like a whale trying on the clothes. Close enough.

Pull and Bear

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Pull and Bear is generally a bit more preppy, and a little more clean cut than most teeny-bopper stores, so for this reason, it's American twin is American Eagle Outfitters. Another reason I make the comparison is that this is the store that almost all my male students shop, almost exclusively. The same holds true in my hometown. Ask almost any Midwestern boy where he bought his polo and khaki pants, and he'll tell you American Eagle. 

Shana

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In my mall back home, if you want a cheap outfit to go out in for one night, and know you´ll more than likely never wear it again, you go to Charlotte Russe. Imagine my delight when I happened upon a similar store in Spain called Shana. At Shana, you can get a nice top or dress to go out it, and because it´s so cheap, you won´t feel too bad when it rips or someone spills kalimotxo all over it.

Zara

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Yes, I know Zara is in the United States now, but let's pretend it's not, because it's my blog and I can do what I want. Zara is the Gap of Spain. People from a wide range of ages shop there, from teenagers to retirees. The clothes are simple, but classic. The quality is good, and the price points aren't too high. I can't say anything too funny or snarky about either stores, because let's face it, there's not much funny business going on there. 

So, now you know. If you're an American, and you're a little intimidated by all this crazy Spanish fashion, you now know where to go to find your favorite go-to pieces.

Originally posted 3.26.12