Q:  I plan to visit Barcelona and see this nice city with my friend in summer. We like shopping, so I would like to ask you when do the sales start in Barcelona in summer?

A: The sales start in the first week of July until the end of August in Barcelona. The best of the sales is during the first 3 weeks in July when there is still a wide variety of stock in the shops. Toward the end of August there is a  noticeable reduction in the merchandise left for sale.  August is also a very quite time in Barcelona and many smaller shops close up. The Spanish tend to go on holiday for the whole of August so you won't have the full variety of shops open if you wait until August to do your shopping. It can also be hot and humid in August which can make it a little uncomfortable for serious shopaholics that like to get around to as many shops as possible. 

I recommend you visit the city in July for your sales shopping, say the second week onwards, to ensure all the shops have started their summer sales.

We have written a number of articles on shopping in Barcelona which you may find helpful. Here are the links:

The Girls Guide to Shopping in Barcelona
What not to wear in Barcelona - how to blend in with the locals
Guide to Menswear shopping in Barcelona
Barcelona Market Guide
Designer Boutiques guide
Tax free shopping in Barcelona - (Non-European visitors)
Custo Barcelona - designer Spanish Fashion
Antiques shopping in Barcelona
Barcelona Chair
The cost of living in Barcelona
Currency Convertor