San Mateo Street: The Commercial Hub Surviving in Alicante's Neighbourhoods

It's Thursday and San Mateo Street is bustling with activity from early morning. This is typical, as the usual hustle and bustle of this commercial artery—one of the few remaining in neighbourhoods away from the city centre—is complemented by market day, drawing people to shop. Some shop windows display Black Friday signs, but many do not offer such discounts.

Fabric stores, lingerie shops, fashion outlets, pet stores, and grocery shops. This street has everything one might need, all part of what is known as local commerce.

Customers and shopkeepers agree: what continues to set neighbourhood shops apart is quality and service. "I travel from afar; large shopping centres are for the young," explains Julia Galán, a customer at a butcher's shop that does not offer any Black Friday discounts. "At these prices, we can't go any lower," says Antonio, the owner. The shop provides good products and service, but conversations often touch on family life and even political critique. It's not just shopping; it's social life too.

Personal attention is another strength of local commerce. At Marian's lingerie and pyjama shop, there are Black Friday discounts, but the impact of these promotions is minimal. "We've been in the neighbourhood for 44 years, and locals always buy from us. During these times, we offer an extra 10% as a gesture, but our prices are already very competitive," explains Maria Ángeles.

Her shop is one of the longest-standing on this commercial street. Over the years, they've seen the neighbourhood change and their customers grow. "I shop here because they've known me since I was a teenager," says Mabel. She and her mother, Mari Asunción, are buying bras and acknowledge the excellent service. Mabel notes that she doesn't have a standard body type, and when she shops, they make her feel good. "If I need something specific, they get it for me," she says.

Moda Karay also offers discounts, showcasing party dresses at 10 to 30 percent off for Black Friday. They run three stores across the city, and Esther, the assistant at the San Mateo branch, notes that people seize even the smallest discount to buy dresses for their events. "This way, they have them ready," she says.

At San Mateo Optician, another neighbourhood classic, discounts are also visible, though they insist on offering "deals" and promotions year-round. "Our clientele is local, but some who have moved away return for the trust and competitive prices," explains Paula, the optician.

At the other end is Arantxa, one of San Mateo's veterans, with a business that has been on this street for 46 years. Her decoration and curtain shop, Otman, has witnessed a neighbourhood she considers unrecognisable over the past 20 years. "This area used to be better; now it's in decline. Only the elderly remain, and newcomers can't park. No one has considered the commerce here," Arantxa says indignantly. She states that they always offer discounts, so nothing special is done for Black Friday.

As the morning passes, San Mateo Street remains lively. Whether it's Black Friday, market Thursday, or any other day, this commercial artery continues to withstand the test of time, changes in shopping habits, and customers accustomed to large shopping centres over local commerce.