Welcome Mr. Fitch

I imagine you're already aware of Abercrombie&Fitch's arrival in Madrid. The most impressive thing, aside from the facilities and the models they brought for the opening, are the queues that form to enter every weekend. Honestly, I didn't believe them; with what's happening in Spanish retail, I was sure that many of those who stoically queued up this Christmas to buy reindeer sweatshirts were as much employees as the shirtless young men who shivered in the first few days to get our attention (and they succeeded). But I asked, and "reliable sources" assure me that no, they are real, that although it is true that they slow down the entry of the public even when the store is not packed, those waiting outside are there of their own free will.

If we add to that the fact that the reindeer chain plans to open two more macro stores in the Community of Madrid next year, the recent arrival of Forever 21 in Barcelona, and the upcoming landing of Ralph Lauren in another palatial building next door to Abercrombie in Madrid's golden mile, we find ourselves with a scenario that makes us think that on the other side of the ocean, they know something we don't. How can it be that we see the outlook for the fashion sector in Spain as so bleak, yet the major American chains guarantee it such a promising future that they risk opening million-dollar stores in times of crisis?

Please tell us what they know, or at least share their hopes and positive vision.

Hugs,

The Countess prefers donkeys to reindeer