El Corte Inglés in Spain and on the Costa Blanca: Stores, Departments, and Shopping Guide
El Corte Inglés is the largest department store chain in Spain, combining fashion, gastronomy, home goods, electronics, and services in one space.
This article provides a detailed shopping guide for El Corte Inglés in Spain and along the Costa Blanca: store structure, main departments, brands, practical information, and visitor recommendations.
What is El Corte Inglés
El Corte Inglés is a Spanish corporate group founded in the 1940s, remaining a key player in the retail sector for decades.
The network’s format consists of multi-story department stores located in central urban areas, catering to both local residents and tourists.
El Corte Inglés Group Structure
The El Corte Inglés group includes several store formats and services, each targeting specific customer categories and product types:
- El Corte Inglés department stores: large multi-floor stores in city centers featuring all main product categories: clothing, footwear, accessories, cosmetics, home goods, electronics, groceries, and services. This is the main format, serving both locals and tourists.
- Hipercor hypermarkets: stores focused on groceries and home goods in large volumes. Unlike department stores, Hipercor emphasizes a wide assortment of products and appliances, catering to bulk shoppers.
- Supercor supermarkets: compact stores aimed at daily shopping, offering fresh products, groceries, beverages, and household items. Supercor is often located in residential areas and shopping centers for convenience.
- Sfera clothing stores: retail chain specializing in fashion and accessories for the whole family, with affordable prices, trendy collections, and regular product updates.
- Tourist and insurance services: separate units providing travel services such as tour booking, ticket sales, insurance, and travel consultations. Many department stores have Viajes El Corte Inglés counters for comprehensive tourist services.
Official website: elcorteingles.es
Store Format and Internal Structure
Most El Corte Inglés stores are organized by floors, allowing for convenient product categorization and a structured shopping experience. Each floor is typically dedicated to a specific type of product or service, making navigation easier and helping customers find what they need quickly.
Although layouts may vary depending on the city, store size, and type (department store, hypermarket, outlet), the general logic remains:
- Ground floor: usually includes cosmetics, perfumery, accessories, and seasonal promotions, as well as areas with fashion jewelry and gift items.
- Fashion floors: multiple levels may be dedicated to women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing, shoes, and accessories. Large department stores divide floors by clothing categories and brands.
- Home and electronics floors: feature appliances, computers, TVs, small electronics, furniture, textiles, and interior design items.
- Supermarket and gastronomy: one floor or a dedicated area is often allocated to grocery shopping (Hipercor or Supercor) and gastronomy sections with Spanish delicacies, wines, coffee, and ready-made meals.
- Services and assistance: some floors have tourist service counters, currency exchange, Tax Free desks, personal shopping, and style consultations.
This floor-based structure helps visitors navigate the store easily, plan their shopping route, and combine purchases from different categories in one visit.
Clothing and Accessories
El Corte Inglés fashion departments occupy a significant part of store space, offering a wide range of clothing, footwear, and accessories for the whole family. Floors or sections are organized by age, style, and purpose of clothing, facilitating visitor navigation.
- Women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing: includes both international and Spanish brands. International brands include Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Levi’s, Guess, Hugo Boss. Spanish brands include Massimo Dutti, Adolfo Domínguez, Pedro del Hierro, Sfera, Cortefiel, and Mango. Children’s brands include Mayoral, Chicco, and others.
- Casual and formal collections: office and evening wear, suits, shirts, blouses, and dresses from Purificación García, Hugo Boss, Zara (in some partner zones), and Massimo Dutti.
- Shoes, bags, belts, and accessories: brands include Camper, Geox, Clarks, Michael Kors, Guess, Tous (accessories and bags), as well as Spanish brands Pikolinos and Bimba y Lola.
- Underwear and sportswear: lingerie and pajamas from Intimissimi, Calzedonia, Women’secret; sportswear and shoes from Nike, Adidas, Puma, and Reebok.
Seasonal collections and limited edition brand lines are available, as well as El Corte Inglés’ own brand items including casual clothing and accessories.
Cosmetics and Perfumery
Beauty departments are usually located on lower floors and offer a wide range of perfumery, decorative cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and gift sets.
These sections cater to both everyday shoppers and tourists seeking branded products.
- Perfumes: international and Spanish brands, including Chanel, Dior, Lancôme, Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Carolina Herrera, Tom Ford, Loewe, and Puig.
- Decorative cosmetics: Clinique, Estée Lauder, MAC, Bobbi Brown, Shiseido, Maybelline, L’Oréal Paris, and some exclusive brand lines in certain stores.
- Skincare and haircare: face and body products from Nivea, La Roche-Posay, Vichy, Biotherm, Clarins; haircare from Kérastase, L’Oréal Professionnel, Wella, Schwarzkopf.
- Gift sets and cosmetic boxes: seasonal and holiday collections from perfumery and cosmetic brands.
Many stores feature consultation counters where professionals provide advice on skincare, demonstrate products, and guide purchases. Large stores also have testing zones and samples, enhancing the shopping experience.
Home Goods
Home departments offer a broad range of items for furnishing and decorating living spaces.
- Cookware and kitchen tools: pots, pans, knives, cutlery, and kitchen gadgets from Zwilling, Brabantia, Pyrex, Le Creuset, Fissler, along with tableware and storage accessories.
- Home textiles: bedding, towels, tablecloths, curtains, pillows, and throws from Zara Home, El Corte Inglés own brand, Bassetti, and others.
- Decor and interior items: vases, candle holders, artwork, wall clocks, rugs, and other decor from El Corte Inglés, Maisons du Monde, and Spanish designers.
- Seasonal home collections: holiday items (Christmas, Easter, summer), seasonal textile and decor sets.
Electronics and Technology
Electronics and appliance departments provide products for daily and professional use, with demonstration areas and expert advice in large stores.
- Smartphones and accessories: iPhone, Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, Oppo, with cases, chargers, headphones, and smartwatches.
- Home appliances: large and small appliances including refrigerators, washing machines, food processors, coffee machines, vacuum cleaners; brands include Bosch, Siemens, Samsung, LG, Philips, Moulinex, Tefal.
- Computers and peripherals: laptops, desktops, monitors, printers, storage devices, keyboards, mice; brands include HP, Dell, Lenovo, Apple, Asus, Acer, Logitech.
- Audio and video equipment: TVs, sound systems, speakers, headphones, projectors; brands include Sony, Bose, JBL, Samsung, LG, Denon, Yamaha.
Demonstration zones allow customers to test products and consult specialists.
Supermarket and Gastronomy
Most large El Corte Inglés stores include grocery sections under Hipercor or Supercor brands, offering daily and specialty food products.
- Fresh products: fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, seafood, bakery items, often with local origin labels.
- Spanish wines: wines from Rioja, Priorat, Ribera del Duero, sparkling wines and Champagne, with tasting zones and sommelier recommendations.
- Olive oil: premium Spanish brands including Hojiblanca, Carbonell, Masia El Altet.
- Ham and cheeses: traditional Spanish delicacies including Jamón Ibérico, Serrano ham, Manchego, Mahón, Cabrales cheeses, often sliced on-site with tasting options.
- Gourmet gifts: delicacy sets, wines, sweets, and gift boxes for holidays and corporate events.
Hipercor caters to bulk shoppers and large purchases, including appliances, while Supercor focuses on daily shopping for locals and tourists.
All large stores provide Tax Free services for international shoppers, enabling VAT refunds for qualifying purchases. This service applies to most categories except certain foods and services.
Tax Free Procedure at El Corte Inglés:
- Present your passport at the checkout or designated foreign customer desk when making a purchase.
- The staff fills out the Tax Free form, attaches receipts, and confirms the purchase for VAT refund.
- At the airport or border upon leaving Spain, show the purchases, passport, and completed forms to validate the refund.
- Refunds can be issued in cash (euros), to a bank card, or via international refund systems (Global Blue, Premier Tax Free, etc.).
Tax Free service makes shopping at Hipercor and Supercor especially attractive for tourists, with potential savings of 15–20 %. Dedicated consultants in large stores assist with the process and answer questions about requirements and documentation.
El Corte Inglés on the Costa Blanca
The Costa Blanca coast is one of the regions in Spain where El Corte Inglés is most conveniently accessible for tourists. The stores are located in major cities with well-developed transport infrastructure.
The main El Corte Inglés store in Alicante is located on Avenida Maisonnave, one of the city’s central shopping streets. The complex actually consists of several buildings, each dedicated to different product categories.
Address: Avenida Maisonnave, 53, 03003 Alicante
Opening hours: Mon–Sat: 10:00–22:00, Sun: 11:00–21:00
View on map: El Corte Inglés Alicante
El Corte Inglés Elche
The Elche branch caters to both local residents and visitors. The store offers the full range of product categories typical for the chain.
Address: Carrer del Mestre Albéniz, Elche
Opening hours: Mon–Sat: 10:00–22:00, Sun: 11:00–21:00
View on map: El Corte Inglés Elche
During holidays and national sales periods (rebajas), opening hours may change. It is recommended to check current hours on the official website or through store customer service.
El Corte Inglés Outlet Stores on the Costa Blanca
In addition to standard department stores, several El Corte Inglés Outlet stores operate on the Costa Blanca, offering past-season merchandise at discounts. These stores often carry clothing, accessories, footwear, home items, and other categories with seasonal discounts of up to ~70%.
- Outlet El Corte Inglés – Torrevieja
Address: Calle Apolo, 66, 03182 Torrevieja, Alicante
Opening hours: Mon–Sat: 10:00–21:00, Sun: 11:00–20:00
View on map: Outlet El Corte Inglés – Torrevieja
This is one of the accessible outlet stores in Torrevieja, featuring seasonal clothing, footwear, and accessory collections at discounted prices compared to full-format stores. - Outlet El Corte Inglés – Benidorm / Finestrat
Address: Calle Alicante, 1, 03509 Finestrat, Alicante
Opening hours: Mon–Sat: 10:00–22:00, Sun: 11:00–21:00
View on map: Outlet El Corte Inglés – Benidorm / Finestrat
This outlet center near Benidorm offers discounted fashion, footwear, and accessory selections. Typical opening hours are from morning to evening (~10:00–22:00). - Outlet El Corte Inglés – San Vicente del Raspeig (Alicante)
Address: Calle Alicante, 94, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante
Opening hours: Mon–Sat: 10:00–22:00, Sun: 11:00–21:00
View on map: Outlet El Corte Inglés – San Vicente del Raspeig
A larger outlet where past-season collections are also offered at discounts. Located in the San Vicente del Raspeig area, north of Alicante. - Other Outlet / Discount Points
In addition to the listed outlets, the region may have smaller seasonal discount points under the El Corte Inglés brand, especially in major shopping centers and promotional zones. These usually include clothing, accessories, and home textiles at reduced prices.
Outlet store hours are similar to standard stores – generally 10:00–22:00 (sometimes until 21:00), but hours may vary depending on the day of the week and season. Check the official website or store customer service before visiting.
Product range and brand availability may vary.
Brands Available at El Corte Inglés
The assortment depends on the specific store, its format, and city, but generally includes Spanish and international brands, sports labels, and cosmetic houses. Key categories and examples include:
- Spanish brands: Massimo Dutti, Adolfo Domínguez, Sfera, Zara, Cortefiel, Pedro del Hierro.
- International fashion brands: Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Guess, Hugo Boss, Michael Kors, Armani.
- Sports brands: Nike, Adidas, Puma, Reebok, Asics, New Balance, and some Spanish sportswear brands.
- Cosmetics and perfumery: Chanel, Dior, Lancôme, Estée Lauder, Clinique, Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford, Loewe, Puig.
Personal Shopping Services at El Corte Inglés
Personal shopping services are available in major El Corte Inglés stores, helping customers save time and select items tailored to their individual style and needs.
Who Can Use Personal Shopping
These services are suitable for both tourists and local residents seeking professional advice on clothing, accessories, cosmetics, or home items.
What’s Included
- Fashion and outfit consultation;
- Selection of clothing, footwear, and accessories for specific styles or events;
- Assistance in finding sizes or products not on display;
- Recommendations for cosmetics, perfumes, and home items.
How to Use the Service
- Book in advance via the official website or at the customer service desk in-store;
- Check if there is a free service package with a minimum purchase or paid packages for full assistance;
- Choose a convenient time, especially during sales or tourist season.
Where Available
Personal shopping is primarily available in select stores, including El Corte Inglés Alicante (Avenida Maisonnave, 53).
Full list of centers and contacts can be found on the official page: Personal Shopper El Corte Inglés
Additional Services
- Customer Service: assistance with returns, exchanges, and store navigation.
- Item Finder: locate products across the network if unavailable in-store.
- International Desk: support for tourists, language assistance, Tax Free, VAT refunds.
- Tax Refund / Tax Free: VAT refund for non-EU clients on eligible purchases.
- Currency exchange in select stores.
- VIP Concierge: priority service, advice, and exclusive perks.
- Free Wi-Fi in-store.
- Home delivery & international shipping via online channels.
- Loyalty programs and privilege cards: points, discounts, and benefits (e.g., El Corte Inglés Plus, Reward Card).
Pricing and Guidelines
El Corte Inglés is not a discount retailer. Prices generally match brand retail recommendations:
- Mid-range clothing – standard brand prices;
- Cosmetics and perfumes – manufacturer suggested retail price;
- Food – higher than average supermarkets, especially gourmet sections;
- Electronics – comparable to other large Spanish chains.
Major discounts occur during official seasonal sales (rebajas), scheduled regionally.
Most stores provide Tax Free, personal shopping, and styling advice, making visits comfortable for both tourists and locals.
Practical Tips for Visitors
- Plan your visit in advance – stores are large and require time.
- Use floor guides near entrances.
- Visit in the morning during tourist season for a less crowded experience.
- Check Tax Free conditions for non-EU residents at service desks.
Conclusion
El Corte Inglés offers a comprehensive shopping experience in Spain, combining clothing, groceries, electronics, and home goods under one roof.
On the Costa Blanca, stores in Alicante and Elche provide convenient access for tourists and residents alike.
For organized and comfortable shopping, El Corte Inglés remains a key retail destination on the coast.
