Alpargateria La Concepció

Alpargateria La Concepció (also known as La Concepción) is a traditional espadrille and Balearic footwear shop located at Carrer de la Concepció, number 17, in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. Founded in 1940 by Jerónima Fernández, the establishment has preserved its original charm and artisanal character for more than eight decades. In 2006, Fernández transferred the business to María Visitación Hernández, who continues to run it today. The shop specializes in handmade traditional footwear from the Balearic Islands, including Menorcan avarques, Mallorcan espardenyes (with esparto grass soles), porqueres (a style that appeared in the 1920s), patateras (a typical Menorcan boot with an ankle buckle), and eivissenques (flat shoes made of cowhide, lined in various colors, with rubber soles). It also sells a wide collection of handmade Mallorcan products and woven baskets (senalles) hanging on its façade. The store maintains a neighborhood retail tradition that is disappearing, producing artisanal espadrilles from Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera, as well as shoes from other parts of the Iberian Peninsula, specifically La Rioja and Murcia (Caravaca de la Cruz). La Concepció has attracted notable visitors over the years, including the Spanish royal family, who visit annually, and Michelle Obama, who visited incognito during a 2017 trip to Mallorca. Its clientele spans the globe, with customers from Dubai, the United States, Canada, Latvia, Germany, France, Italy, and beyond. The shop's façade features a portal with a window and two small exterior display cases serving as counters, with baskets of all kinds hanging outside. On July 24, 2024 (resolution no. 7460, Palma City Council), the shop was maintained as an Emblematic Business (category 1A) in the approval of the 2024 Catalog of Emblematic Establishments, having first been inscribed in 2018. This recognition underscores its cultural and commercial significance to Palma and the Balearic Islands.

Alpargateria La Concepció was founded in 1940 by Jerónima Fernández in Palma de Mallorca, at Carrer de la Concepció, number 17. The shop was established as a traditional espadrille maker and retailer, serving the local community with handmade footwear typical of the Balearic Islands. For over six decades, Fernández ran the business, maintaining its artisanal methods and neighborhood character. In 2006, Jerónima Fernández transferred the shop to María Visitación Hernández, who has operated it since. Under her stewardship, the store has continued to produce and sell traditional espadrilles and Balearic footwear, while also expanding its offering of handmade Mallorcan products and baskets. The shop has become a point of interest for tourists and dignitaries alike. The Spanish royal family visits the shop annually, and in 2017, Michelle Obama visited incognito during a trip to Mallorca. The store's international clientele includes customers from Dubai, the United States, Canada, Latvia, Germany, France, and Italy, among others. In 2018, the shop was inscribed in the Catalog of Emblematic Establishments of Palma. On July 24, 2024, by resolution no. 7460 of the Palma City Council, it was maintained as an Emblematic Business (category 1A) in the approval of the 2024 Catalog. This designation recognizes its role in preserving traditional commerce and craftsmanship in the city.

• 2024

  Maintained as Emblematic Business (category 1A) by Palma City Council resolution no. 7460

• 2018

  Inscribed in the Catalog of Emblematic Establishments of Palma

• 2017

  Michelle Obama visits incognito

• 2006

  Transferred to María Visitación Hernández, current owner

• 1940

  Founded by Jerónima Fernández in Palma de Mallorca

Historic, artisanal, family-run retailer of traditional Balearic footwear and crafts, recognized as an emblematic local business in Palma de Mallorca.

• Menorcan avarques

  Traditional Menorcan footwear

• Mallorcan espardenyes

  Espadrilles with esparto grass soles

• Porqueres

  A style that appeared in the 1920s

• Patateras

  Typical Menorcan boot with a buckle that adjusts at the ankle

• Eivissenques

  Flat shoe made of cowhide, lined in different colors, with rubber soles

• Senalles (woven baskets)

  Hanging on the façade of the shop

1. 1Wikidata: Alpargateria La Concepciówikidata.org
2. 2Viquipèdia: La Concepción (espardenyeria)ca.wikipedia.org
3. 3Palma Activa: Alpargateria La Concepció (PDF)emblematics.palmaactiva.com