Shopping in Italy

Shopping in Italy can be one of the most special and rewarding experiences. Old world craftsmanship is still alive and well in Italy. Leather, glass, paper and ceramics are still made by had using age old traditions. 

Italy fashion is known the world over and does not have to cost and arm and a leg. The savvy traveler will search for “SALDI” (Sale) in storefront windows. For designer goods such as Gucci, Versace & Dolce & Gaggana you can visit their outlets located in the countryside of Tuscany. These outlets can offer their designs for 30-70% off the original price!

A new phenomenon seen in Italy in the last few years are American style shopping malls. These huge malls are usually found on the outskirts of cities like Rome, Florence and Milan but many are popping up along major highway routes through popular regions such as Tuscany and Umbria. These shopping malls are great ways to experience the same shopping selection and prices as locals.   
Many shops will offer a 10% discount for paying in cash, so make sure to ask. As a rule of thumb if you are shopping at a vendor with a street cart or stall the price can be negotiable but inside a shop the price is fixed, so don’t even ask.

Each area of Italy offers a shopping specialty, and the quality will be the highest if an item is purchased from the region it is known for. For example; glass items must be bought in and around Venice the home of Murano glass. Leather should be purchased in Tuscany and  ceramics come from the Umbrian town of Deruta.

Remember that most shops are closed on Monday’s and many, especially in small towns close for a few hours between 1-4pm.

Florence Shopping: The most famous shopping in Florence on Via Calzaiouli. Gold shops are found on the Ponte Vecchio Bridge. Make sure to visit the Straw Market (Il Porcellino) and the famous leather market can be found in San Lorenzo.

Florence High Fashion Outlets: One of the best kept secrets of Italian shoppers is the fashion outlets outside Florence. You will need a car or Italy 4 Real can book an inexpensive group tour out to the outlets from Florence. Many of the outlets are not easy to find and the Prada Outlet is housed in an unmarked warehouse. 

Milan Shopping: Milan is the fashion capital of Italy and all the designers are found in the “Golden Triangle” which is a triangle that include  the streets of Via Montenapoleone, Via Della Spiga, Via Senato, Corso Venezia and Via Manzoni.

Milan Outlets: Serravalle Outlet Center, is about 40 minutes outside the city, you can reach it by train or taxi. This super mall has over 130 designer discount stores and savings of 50% can be found all year. Tel: 39-14-360-9000; www.mcarthurglen.it 

Rome Shopping: The designer area of Rome is on the street Via Condotti and intersects the Spanish Steps. This is where you will find the top designers and the highest prices.

Rome Outlets: McArthur Glen's Castel Romano Outlet Center is located about 20 miles outside the city. They have a free shuttle which can be booked at many hotels. High fashion designers can be found as well as local stores. Discounts can range between 30-45% most of the year. For more information: Tel: 39 06 50 50050 or  www.mcarthurglen.it