Spain shoppers urged to stop buying for 24 hours on November 11

Consumer groups in Spain are urging residents to refrain from purchasing or signing up for new services for 24 hours on November 11. FACUA, a consumer association, is leading the "shopping boycott" or "huelga de compras" campaign to highlight the impact of rising living costs on everyday life. The initiative is voluntary and does not necessitate store closures or prevent consumers from accessing essential goods.

FACUA argues that the increasing expenses of necessities, such as housing, utilities, and transportation, are straining families, particularly those already struggling to meet basic needs. The association seeks to express dissatisfaction through a temporary halt in spending across various sectors, including supermarkets, fuel stations, and telecommunications providers.

The proposed boycott is scheduled for the same day as a broader general strike, which may also affect services provided by businesses. While the campaign encourages postponing certain administrative transactions like switching energy suppliers or mobile phone contracts, it does not require residents to cancel existing bills or rental payments.

British residents and other foreign nationals living in Spain are advised to check with individual businesses and transport providers for any changes to operations on November 11. The shopping boycott is separate from the general strike and aims to demonstrate the economic consequences of rising costs, rather than targeting specific retailers or industries.