Barcelona street sellers' start-up - 5th July 2021

Barcelona's street vendors have responded to years of being heavily criticised and persecuted by establishing a cooperative and launching their own brand of trainers.

Rather than relabelling imported footwear as done previously, these trainers are made in Spain and Portugal.

They are being sold under the name 'Top Manta', as the majority of the street sellers are from Senegal in Africa. The name of the company was taken from a Wolof word 'manta', which means 'blanket'. This reflects how their merchandise is usually presented on the street.

Named 'Ande Dem', the Wolof for 'walking together,' the trainers' design incorporates a wave-like logo of a blanket. It represents the perilous crossings to Spain many traders made in flimsy rubber dinghies.

African colours brighten up the design and the shoes are practical, sturdy footwear better suited for working outdoors than as sportswear.

Asked why customers should reject designer brands in favour of 'Top Manta', spokesman Lamine Sarr appealed to people's sense of justice. He replied that support should be given to discriminated groups rather than a multinational company which "exploits desperate people in the developing world".

Sarr says that by buying the €115 trainers, "you are helping a community that is discriminated against in every way. You are helping people to become legal and work for a decent wage." All profits go towards building the brand and helping "manteros" and their families.