This is the sort of place that has come to believe its reputation is enough. The establishments are completely "pijo", meaning all cost, no substance, what the Brits might call "posh" or the Americans might simply call "stoopid".

If one wishes to purchase luxury/gourmet products, there are places to do so in Madrid that charge a fair price. If one is seeking to eat well, just about anywhere else in the city will do, including neighbourhood bars and cafés.

What is unfathomable to me is why one would purchase low-quality merchandise at incredibly high prices. Then again, I've never purchased an article of clothing because of its name or logo, nor have I purchased an item to "stick it" to my neighbours.

If you happen to find yourself outside one of these establishments, keep walking, they're all bark and no bite...