Reflecting on the Loss of Beloved Businesses in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Santa Cruz de Tenerife has recently faced the unfortunate closure of several cherished businesses, including Discos Manzana, Maya, and Deportes Lovero. As reported by DIARIO DE AVISOS, these closures underscore the profound impact of globalisation and shifting shopping habits on the local commercial landscape. The transformation has often come at the expense of long-standing establishments that have been integral to the community’s identity.

Nostalgic Remembrances of Local Establishments

Among the many iconic venues that have disappeared from the streets of Santa Cruz are quaint bookshops and delightful ice cream parlours, which hold a special place in the hearts of local residents. These establishments were not merely places to purchase goods; they served as community hubs that fostered connections and evoked a sense of nostalgia. The memories associated with these shops are deeply woven into the fabric of the city, representing a time when shopping was a more personal experience.

The Impact of Librería La Isla’s Closure

In January 2019, the renowned Librería La Isla closed its doors, marking a significant loss for the community. The original location on Calle Robayna had ceased operations in 2014 after an impressive 43 years of service, where countless locals purchased their first books and discovered the joy of reading. The closure of the Imeldo Serís branch represented the end of a beloved institution that connected generations of Tenerife residents through literature.

Founded in 1971 by José María Celis, the store began its journey as an appliance shop named Rexachs before evolving into a bookstore and record shop. Its early years were shaped by the challenges of censorship and limited publishing options, which made the availability of literature a significant hurdle. Over nearly five decades, the business transitioned through three generations, ultimately being managed by the founder’s granddaughters. Renamed La Isla Libros, it expanded alongside the publishing industry, operating four locations throughout Santa Cruz de Tenerife, each serving as a beacon of knowledge and culture.

Sonora Discos: A Pillar of Musical Culture

Adjacent to Librería La Isla, Sonora Discos also closed in 2019, further diminishing the cultural fabric of the area. This store had a long-standing reputation for selling cassettes, CDs, and vinyl records, catering to a dedicated clientele passionate about music. For many, it was not just a store but a sanctuary where they could explore new sounds and rediscover classic albums.

Over the years, Sonora Discos adapted to the changing music landscape, focusing on specific genres such as rock and jazz, which resonated with a loyal customer base. Its closure left many music enthusiasts without one of their favourite venues in Santa Cruz, highlighting the challenges faced by local businesses in a rapidly changing market. The loss of such a store is felt deeply by those who cherished the experience of browsing through its extensive collection, often discovering hidden gems along the way.

Reflections on the Evolving Retail Environment

The closures of these iconic businesses serve as a poignant reminder of the shifting retail environment in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. As consumer preferences evolve and globalisation continues to influence local markets, many cherished establishments have been lost, leaving behind only memories and a sense of longing for what once was. The landscape of retail is changing, and with it, the character of the community is at risk of being altered irrevocably.

While the community reflects on these losses, it also highlights the importance of supporting local businesses to preserve the unique character of Santa Cruz. The memories of places like Librería La Isla and Sonora Discos will continue to resonate with those who experienced them, underscoring the need to cherish and support local commerce. Each closure represents not just a loss of a business, but a loss of a gathering place, a source of inspiration, and a piece of the community’s history.

Key points

• Santa Cruz de Tenerife has seen the closure of several iconic businesses, including Librería La Isla and Sonora Discos.
• Librería La Isla was founded in 1971 and transformed from an appliance store into a bookstore and record shop.
• The store operated for nearly 50 years before closing its last branch in 2019.
• Sonora Discos specialized in music sales and adapted to changing trends over the decades.
• Both closures reflect the impact of globalisation and changing consumer habits on local businesses.
• These establishments were significant in fostering community connections and cultural identity.