“Do you have battery-powered radios?”

April 28, 2025. Everyone in the dark. "Do you have any battery-powered radios?" was once asked without a problem. Rechargeable radios were all left on the shelves. 1916 by his grandfather on Calle Riego. But it's been located at 35 Calle Sants for over forty years and is a true cornerstone of the neighborhood, a hive of customers who constantly come in for advice on replacing the stovetop and oven, so it's time to renovate.

The list is almost endless. Refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, stoves, ovens, televisions, microwaves, grinders, blenders, heaters, toasters, desktop phones, vacuum cleaners, irons, clothes and hair dryers, coffee makers, pressure cookers, neck shavers! And yes, they have them. It's like headphones but with the mission of cooling your neck. What's the star of the store? The washing machine, Francesc is clear. It's perhaps the appliance that wears out the most and the one that needs to be changed most often. It's a good idea to have a good sample. They also have many refrigerators.

And the trendy small appliance? Without a doubt, theair fryer"When something works well, you know it right away, and word of mouth helps a lot. You always have to explain how it works, since it's not a deep fryer, but rather a small oven." It's the same case with the Roomba, the robot cleaner and vacuum cleaner that runs the floor throughout the house. But, of course, toasters, irons, and blenders are also selling like hotcakes, those traditional small appliances that, no matter how many years go by, remain household favorites. In winter, heaters and central heating upgrades are a boom. In summer, fan and air conditioning season is in full swing. Oh! And do you know what product has been discovered to work really well? Ceiling fans. A new best-seller.

At Estrada 35, they sell whatever you want and also offer installation services for large appliances. As well as maintenance, upgrades, and repairs, all through their network of trusted technicians. The main clientele is from Sants, but they can offer service throughout the city. The four generations of the business have been led by four Francesc Estradas. Francisco's grandparents and parents grew the business from the initial electrical store—bulbs, cables, lights—to the gradual incorporation of the appliances that science has invented and that we have been introducing into our basic needs.

"To like this business, you have to enjoy dealing with people and you have to be patient, know how to explain yourself, both the instructions for what the client is buying and the various eventualities and emergencies that they need," emphasizes Francesc, who was born in the address on Calle de Ri- all his life, since he immersed himself in it at eighteen and has never left. Today he has the support of his son—Francisco too, of course—who could be a good follow-up.

"I came to ask for a quote for an air conditioner," says a client from the neighborhood. "I recommend these two, one cheaper than the other, but I think it will work out well for you." "Oh, yes, this other one is very expensive." "It's not that expensive, don't believe it, just think it's a good investment and you'll recoup it quickly." "Oh yes, you're right, maybe I'll keep this one, let me think about it and I'll tell you this afternoon. Thanks!"