In parts of Spain with sizeable British expat populations, a noticeable shift in shop opening hours is underway. Local businesses, particularly in popular coastal towns, are increasingly adopting a continuous 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule, moving away from Spain’s traditional split working day.
This trend is a direct response to a simple economic reality: businesses are adapting to cater to British customers, who are accustomed to continuous daytime trading hours. In areas like Alicante, Málaga, Granada, and the Costa Blanca, where British residents make up a significant portion of the local population, businesses are seeing the benefit of aligning their hours with the habits of retirees, remote workers, and tourists from the UK.
For many years, Spain’s retail culture has been defined by the jornada partida, or split working day. This rhythm involves a long midday break, often from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., with shops reopening late into the evening. This schedule reflects the country’s climate, lifestyle, and family-centered culture. However, supermarkets, hardware stores, and veterinary clinics are among the businesses now trialing uninterrupted hours to boost sales and provide convenience to their foreign clientele.
The owner of a veterinary clinic in Granada explained the decision by noting that they were able to serve more of their predominantly British, retired clients by remaining open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. without a midday break. The change not only increases potential sales but can also reduce costs, such as staff travel or extended breaks. Furthermore, it can distribute foot traffic more evenly throughout the day, reducing late-evening congestion.
The benefits extend to staff as well, as a continuous workday can avoid the fatigue of late closing times and better align with international working patterns.
However, this shift is not without its critics. Some argue that the trend risks eroding Spain’s distinctive cultural identity. The siesta and the split working day are not merely traditions but practical responses to the country’s hot climate. By adopting a more northern European model, businesses may be sidelining practices that support family life and community rhythms. For Spanish employees, continuous hours can clash with established family mealtimes and childcare arrangements, and businesses risk alienating local customers who still prefer evening shopping.
While some analysts suggest that younger Spaniards are also moving towards uninterrupted workdays, indicating a broader modernisation trend, the influence of expat communities is undeniable. For British residents, the change is largely welcomed as a sign of integration. However, it also raises concerns among others who fear that too much adaptation could create “little Britains” along the Spanish coast, where expat needs overshadow local customs.
Ultimately, the rise of the 9-to-5 schedule in expat-heavy areas of Spain highlights the delicate balance between economic opportunity and cultural preservation. For business owners, the question remains whether staying open through the afternoon brings more sales and customer satisfaction or if it risks losing a part of what makes Spanish life unique.