El Corte Inglés as a climate refuge: immoral or a Spanish tradition?

Is it immoral to go to El Corte Inglés just for the air conditioning?
With temperatures soaring and electricity bills at record highs, a question is dividing Spaniards: is it acceptable to use department stores as a free climate oasis? The debate goes beyond mere anecdote and touches on consumer economics, with views ranging from cherished tradition to the harshest criticism.

On one side, some defend the long-standing custom: strolling through the toy section, sitting on the benches or even having breakfast in the café without buying anything. "El Corte Inglés has always had the label of a climate refuge," recall the nostalgic, yearning for that famous thermal shock of stepping from a sweltering street into full-blast air conditioning. A sensation that, according to some, has become an urban legend for younger generations, who never knew that heyday of the 80s and 90s.

At the other extreme, there is no shortage of people who call it abuse: "we partly keep that company going with our taxes," the argument goes, suggesting that free use of the air-conditioned space is a hidden public burden. In addition, the recent policy of allowing dogs inside has multiplied the number of browsers with no intention of buying. "Lots of people sit on the benches playing on their phones," complains a group that sees this as a form of social parasitism.

Nostalgia for the thermal shock
The phenomenon is nothing new. For decades, department stores were the only air-conditioned oasis accessible to everyone. Today, with the heatwave and energy prices through the roof, the practice is making a strong comeback. But the context has changed: El Corte Inglés is no longer the temple of consumption it once was, and the line between customer and mere visitor has blurred.

In the end, the air conditioning at El Corte Inglés cools not only the atmosphere but also the conscience of a society torn between climate necessity and posturing. Meanwhile, the toy section's Lego display remains the best lure for walking in without spending a single euro.