Sales in Madrid (rebajas): dates, shops and tips

Spanish sales are called **rebajas**. They draw big crowds in Madrid, between the department stores, the shopping streets of the centre and the Spanish fashion chains. This guide explains the usual calendar, the places to head for, how to read discounts and the pitfalls to know. In Spain, shops set their sale periods freely, and dates vary from one chain to another and from year to year: the benchmarks below are habits, to confirm on the website or in the window when you travel.

When the rebajas take place

There are two main seasons: the winter rebajas, which usually start around 7 January after Three Kings' Day, and the summer rebajas, which often start in late June or early July. In 2026, for example, El Corte Inglés launched its winter sale on 7 January in store, a day earlier online, running until the end of February. Several chains bring discounts online before the shops, and some start even before the official date of their campaign, with "pre-sales" reserved for loyalty-programme members.

Period	Usual benchmark	What to check
Winter sales	From the week of 7 January	Each chain's date, online pre-sales
Summer sales	Late June or early July, into August	Start date, second markdown
Black Friday	Late November	Discounts sometimes outside the sales
End of line	All year	Crossed-out price, limited stock

Discounts often rise in stages: a first markdown at the start, then further cuts after a few weeks. The best sizes go fast; the big discounts of the last week mostly concern what is left.

Where to shop the sales in Madrid

Gran Vía at night

Gran Vía and Callao: large international and Spanish chains, very busy. The Gran Vía is the centre's main shopping axis.
Calle de Preciados and Puerta del Sol: pedestrian street, department store, fashion chains. The starting point is the Puerta del Sol.
Salamanca: designer boutiques and more upmarket brands, calmer; see the Salamanca district.
Malasaña and Chueca: small independent shops and concept stores; see Malasaña and Chueca.
Department stores: El Corte Inglés has several addresses in the city; check the opening hours of the one you are aiming for.

Our shopping in Madrid guide details the districts and types of shops outside the sale periods.

Reading a discount

Spanish regulations require the original price to be shown next to the sale price. Compare the crossed-out price with the one before the sales: look it up on the brand's website before your trip if you want a specific item. New-collection items are generally not discounted in the first days. Also check the condition, size and composition: a sale item may be an end-of-line piece or have a visible flaw.

Exchanges, refunds and payment

In store, whether you can exchange an item bought in the sales is decided by each chain. It is often offered, but it is not a general obligation except for a faulty product: ask before buying, keep the receipt and check the deadline. Online sale conditions, more often accompanied by return fees, are stated on the website. For cards, tipping and cash, see money, payment and tipping in Madrid.

Tax refund for non-EU visitors

Visitors who live outside the European Union can claim a VAT refund on some purchases, provided they follow certain formalities: a tax-free form supplied by the shop, passport, presentation of the goods and a customs stamp when leaving the EU. The detailed conditions (minimum amounts, deadlines, eligible items) depend on current regulations and on the shop: check them before paying. Allow time at the airport, as the formality comes before baggage check-in.

Practical tips

Arrive at opening on the first day of the sales, or come midweek to avoid the crowds.
Keep room in your suitcase and think about luggage weight.
Prepare your list of items, your sizes and a price in mind.
Watch your belongings in crowded shops; see scams to avoid.
On Sundays, many shops are closed, except in tourist areas: see Madrid on Sundays.