Behind the counter are Elena and Ricardo, a married couple and the owners of the business. Although Ricardo is now retired, he remains closely connected to the family business that has shaped much of his life. The farewell, however, will not be immediate. The store has begun clearing out all its merchandise, but the owners intend to keep the doors open until the end of the year. "The idea is to make it through December 31 so we can sell off the remaining stock in the store," Ricardo says.
For decades, Calzados Ricardo has been a go-to destination for women's, men's and children's footwear. In addition to the current store on Coso, the family once ran a second shop on San Miguel Street, which eventually closed during the pandemic. Now, the historic Coso store will follow the same path, although with a more gradual farewell prompted by retirement.
THE FAREWELL TO A WAY OF UNDERSTANDING RETAIL
Beyond the figures, the closure of Calzados Ricardo also symbolizes the end of a way of understanding local retail. Ricardo acknowledges that fewer and fewer businesses like his remain on Zaragoza's streets. "Fewer and fewer centenarian businesses remain. Now everything is large companies and multinationals, which have nothing to do with the classic stores of a lifetime," he explains. In his view, the change reflects the transformation taking place in the retail sector and in customers' consumption habits.
Calzados Ricardo has announced its closure due to retirement. Photo: E.F. / Actualidad Media
Online shopping is another factor that has changed the landscape. "I think there will be fewer and fewer stores and people will buy everything online," he says resignedly, while remaining optimistic about the new chapter that is about to begin. After more than a century of history and a lifetime devoted to retail, it is now time to look ahead. "We are already looking forward to resting and enjoying a new stage," Ricardo says.
A STORE THAT HAS LEFT ITS MARK ON ITS CUSTOMERS
The affection many Zaragoza residents feel for Calzados Ricardo is reflected in the opinions of those who have visited the store. Some highlight the professionalism and personal service they have always found there. "Outstanding service, friendly treatment, and you can tell they know what they are selling. By far my number one shoe shop," one customer says.
Others focus on the quality of the products. "Wonderful! What fantastic shoes!" says a regular customer. Some also remember the service provided by Elena, whom they describe as a "super-nice" sales assistant who makes shopping at the store "a pleasure."
When next December 31 arrives, if plans go ahead, Zaragoza will lose one of its oldest businesses. With it will go part of Coso's commercial history and a shoe shop that has remained open for more than a century, surviving wars, economic crises, changes in consumption habits and even a pandemic. It is a record that very few businesses can claim.
