The presence in Europe of outlets offering branded goods at frenzied discounts allows Russians to shop abroad cheaper and more profitable than at home. The country on the Apennine Peninsula has long been recognized as the queen of shopping. During sales season, shopping in Italy can save up to 80% of the original cost of goods. Considering that even without discounts the prices here are 15-25% lower than in other EU countries, the savings are obvious. I am also glad that discounts do not affect the breadth of the choice of models and their quality.
When going shopping in Italy, it is better to change the currency to the euro in advance, since the exchange rate will most likely be unprofitable on the spot. Credit cards are also accepted. In the latter case, you must not forget about the receipt - it will serve as proof of purchase if the buyer decides to change the item. By the way, there is no return in most Italian stores.
Shopping centers (malls) in Italy are usually located outside the city, rarely large malls can be found in the center. In general, Italy is still a country of street shopping, which is partly due to the beauty and historical value of buildings in city centers.
Outlets, where you can actually buy branded goods at big discounts, are most often located a few hours' drive from major cities.
What to take from Italy for memory
The two main types of souvenirs that will tell everyone that you have been to Italy are hand made products and food.
Food souvenirs are an excellent solution that will give you the opportunity to enjoy fantastically delicious delicacies to your loved ones and friends. Pay attention to:
- formjo - cheese;
- dried truffles or porcini mushrooms;
- Sun-dried tomatoes;
- pasta;
- meat products, for example, sausages: salami, prosciutto, bresaola, pancetta, guanchial, mortadella and many others for every taste;
- sweets;
- alcohol.
A truly worthwhile gift for women, men and children will be items handcrafted by Italian craftsmen. It can be:
- handcrafted leather designer sandals that cannot be found anywhere in the world except the island of Positano. You can order individual tailoring (store website);
- leather items from Florence - authentic wallets, bags, belts or jackets are of the highest quality and will last for a very long time;
- ceramic dishes and souvenirs. In shops, especially on the coast of Italy, there is an amazing assortment of ceramics: bowls, coasters, trays, dishes, vases and vessels, tiles - everything is hand-painted and saturated with national flavor (for example, the catalog of products of the Il Ninfeo store on the Internet);
- exquisite stationery.
This is just a rough list of the most original and practical gifts, each of which will surely leave a lasting impression on Italy.
The main principle of saving on the purchase of goods is to choose the city with the least number of tourists for shopping. In this regard, the best cities for shopping in Italy are Florence, Turin, Rimin, and for shoe shopping - the province of Marche.
Those who are not chasing brands can be advised to visit the markets and small shops. Let the clothes be from little-known manufacturers, but for little money you can always buy very interesting and high-quality models.
And vice versa: in pursuit of fashionable novelties, of course, it is advisable to go to Rome or Milan. But keep in mind that shopping will result in an order of magnitude higher amount.
When buying things in Italy, be sure to remember that Italian clothing sizes are one size smaller, and shoes, on the contrary, are one size larger than in Russia.
Best shopping spots in Rome
Shopping in Rome is not as varied as in Milan or Florence, and in addition, it will not save much money.
The starting point for a tourist arriving for shopping is Via del Corso. In its stores, you can also find goods at quite affordable prices.
The most expensive luxury items, as you might guess, are sold in boutiques on the main square of the capital of Italy - Piazza di Spagna and adjacent streets. If you are not averse to shelling out for originals from Valentino, Gucci, Trussardi, this is the place for you.
It is also recommended to visit:
- Via Nazionale,
- Via Cola de Rienzo,
- Piazza Campo di Fiori.
Shopping in luxury boutiques in Milan and surroundings
Milan is the European capital of fashion, fashion shows and designer clothes. The most famous brand stores in Italy are located in this city. Those who want to buy luxury brands - Gucci, Prada, Dior - of the latest collections, as they say, first-hand, need to come here.
If you are in doubt that shopping in Milan can be practical and economical, visit the city during the summer sale: in stores, designer items from the current collections can be bought for 30-50% less than usual. Even more discounts in outlets outside the city - sometimes the cost of goods drops to 30% of the original price.
In the heart of Milan, 4 main streets - Via della Spiga, Via Manzoni, Via Sant Andrea, Via Montenapoleone - form a "golden square" where luxury brands present their products: Valentino, Gucci, Armani, Trussardi, Hermes , Dolce & Gabbana, Missoni, Prada, Chanel.
The shops on the streets of Vittorio Evanuele II, in contrast to the gallery of the same name, present boutiques with fairly affordable prices. Here, as well as on Buenos Aires street, you can find Max Mara, Diesel, Zara, Mango, H&M, Michael Kors, well-known to our compatriots, and budget Italian clothing brands Blue Sand, Rocco Barocco.
A tip from seasoned shopaholics - do not be afraid to turn into the alleys: it is often there that outlets are located, where prices are even lower.
Shopping details in Rimini
The city of Rimini is a prime example of how you can combine shopping with relaxation on the coast of Italy. Features of shopping in Rimini, according to shopaholics:
- Here you can find clothes in custom sizes.
- There is a large assortment of fur products. In the outlets, you can cheaply purchase a fur coat from last year's collection. Shops at factories for sewing fur coats, for example, Unifur in San Marino, offer Italian quality products at very affordable prices. For those looking for a designer item, we advise you to pay attention to the range of the Braschi fashion house.
- Proven brands can be purchased in outlets outside the city or in stock shops in the center.
In the town
For luxury brands, it is best to go to boutiques in Piazza Tre Martiri, Piazza Cavour, as well as to visit the famous streets Corso d'Augusto, via Giuseppe Garibaldi, via Gambalugna.
Interesting in terms of shopping:
- Brolli Ceramiche - world famous ceramics are sold in this store at Via Ennio Coletti, 40 (store website);
- Corso d'Augusto - shops selling bags, belts, jewelry, souvenirs and crafts, as well as boutiques of famous brands;
- Marina Centro embankment - shops and boutiques of goods for every taste;
- shoe store Pollini, where you should come for high-quality Italian leather shoes of any kind, or accessories: Viale Amerigo Vespucci, 83. Online store at this address;
- The Le Civette store, located at 35 Via Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta, offers stunning vintage clothing and accessories for women and men.
Markets
Piazza Cavour every Saturday and Wednesday from 8 am to 12 noon turns into the largest market, offering a wide range of inexpensive goods, from souvenirs to food and clothing. By the way, every Friday evening there is an antiques market on Place Cavour. If you are looking for antiques, do not forget to visit this place.
The covered market in Rimini is located at via Castelifidardo, 15-21 (details online - on the market's website). It works daily, from 7.00 to 19-20.00. The oldest market in the center of the old town.
Popular Outlets
In Rimini itself:
- One of the main shopping centers in Rimini - Le Befane - is located at Via Caduti di Nassiriya, 20. The center is huge, here you can find all imaginable goods and products (go to the shopping center website).
- I Malatesta is a small, popular shopping center within the city: Via Emilia, 150. There are over 40 shops, cafes and entertainment every weekend.
- Bluerain up Outlet at Via G. Garibaldi, 79.The secret of its popularity is significant discounts on brands of men's and women's clothing.
Outside the city:
- The outlet from the shoe factory Baldinini Factory Outlet is located near Rimini - in San Mauro Pascoli. The selection of quality shoes from Baldinini at bargain prices is really impressive.
- Gros-Rimini You. Not only tourists shop here, but also businessmen who are aimed at wholesale purchases. Fans of Prada, Alexander McQueen, Dior, Moschino, Bikkembergs, D&G will be impressed by the loyal prices and an incredible selection of models.
- San Marino Factory is an outlet in the Republic of San Marino, but it takes no more than half an hour to get to it from Rimini by car; the bus journey will take about an hour through the most picturesque Italian places.
- Fans of fur clothes who find themselves in San Marino should not visit outlets at Unifur (Strada Roverata, 6) or Braschi (Strada dei Censiti, 1) factories.
- La Coccinella Outlet offers products from all the most famous Italian manufacturers for children: Teddy Bear, Hello Kitty, Primigi, Barbie, Falcotto and others. Outlet address is San Marino, Via Giovanni Pascoli, 27.
- Another sales center is Fuzzi Factory Outlet (look for details on the Fuzzi website).
Where to go shopping in Florence
In Florence, it is recommended to visit the areas where shops selling clothes and goods of Italian brands are hidden. These are Via dei Calzaiuoli, Via de'Cerretani and others towards the train station from Piazza del Duomo.
Discount items from H&M, Zara and others are easy to find in the Piazza della Repubblica area, from which Via Calimala and Via Por Santa Maria depart. There are many budget shops, as well as branches of large Italian shopping centers - Coin and La Rinascente.
For antique interesting things, it is better to immediately go to Via Maggio or Via Santo Spirito, and you can buy food and wine for an Italian dinner inexpensively at the city's Mercato San't Ambrogio markets and the central San Lorenzo Market.
The latter, in addition to the grocery part, also has sections where they sell leather items, clothes, souvenirs, and pottery.
Another largest shopping center in the city is I Gigli. If your goal is to purchase authentic items of brands such as Zara, Calvin Klein, Guess, Max & Co, Motivi, Stradivarius, Benneton at an affordable price, which cost fabulous money in Russia, be sure to visit this shopping center in Florence. Address: Via San Quirico, 165. Online store, assortment, promotions, opening hours - on the I Gigli website.
And of course, what shopping in Florence is without visiting the famous outlets. Of the mono-brand, for example, it can be noted:
- D&G in Tuscany,
- Fendi, Tuscany,
- Prada,
- Roberto Cavalli.
The most famous malls and outlets near Florence with Italian and international brands:
- The most famous outlet in the region is The Mall (Via Europa, 8, Leccio). Specializes in things of famous fashion designers: Gucci, Ferragamo, Cavalli, Armani, Valentino, Tod’s. For adherents of Sergio Rossi shoes, there is a separate sales center on the territory of the mall - Sergio Rossi Outlet.
- The Smart Gallery is a relatively new outlet operating since 2021 in Reggello (Ruota al Mando, Reggello). On the territory of 20 boutiques offering clothing from Italian and international brands.
- Designer Outlet Barberino at Barberino del Mugello. Brands: Prada, D&G, Lacoste, Furla, Polo Ralph Laurent, Belstaff, Calvin Klein, Puma, Adidas, Pinko, Guess, Coccinelle, Pupa, Docksteps, Marlboro, Lagostina and
- Valdichiana Outlet Village in Foiano della Chiana. Address - Province of Arezzo, Tuscany region. Clothes, shoes, interior items and much more will delight even professional shopaholics.
In Tuscany, for inexpensive shopping, it is recommended to visit outlets in Pistoia, Pisa, Prato, Lucca, Siena and other provinces.
Shopping in Turin
Turin is not yet as famous for shopping as Rome or Milan. But this is its plus - prices are lower here, there are fewer foreign buyers, and there is more choice.
Markets in Turin
The Mercato di Porta Palazzo is a truly huge market - the largest in all of Europe.
Antiques lovers should wait until the second Sunday of any month and head to the world famous flea market Gran Balon.
To the south of the city center, there is the charming La Crocetta district, famous not only for its architectural monuments. In the mornings, one of the city's best clothing, footwear and bag markets, the Mercato della Crocetta, is open here. Authentic designer items are sold at affordable prices.
Famous shopping streets in Turin
The trendiest shopping can be found on the main street of the historic city center, Via Roma and the streets that branch off from it. Seasoned shopaholics claim that it has the same assortment as in Milan, but at much better prices. This is especially noticeable during the sales period.
Another popular shopping street and one of the oldest in the city, Via Garibaldi is teeming with charming, cozy cafes and eclectic shops.
Which outlets to visit in Turin
There are several large shopping centers in the city itself:
- 8 Gallery at 230 Via Nizza. The highlight of this center is that it is located in an old Fiat car factory.
- Le Gru - located on Crea street, 10. As a plus to a variety of shops, there is "Grulandia" - an amusement park for children. Official site of the center "Le Gru".
Venetian sales
Venice has everything the soul of a shopaholic desires: designer clothes, street fashion, lace and carnival masks, textiles, amazing glass items, jewelry. A visitor with any budget can count on good and profitable "shopping".
Areas to visit to be sure to leave with a pleasant shopping experience:
- Le Mercerie is a street shopping area.
- Salizzada San Moise - a few minutes walk from St. Mark's Square;
- San Samuele, where you can buy exquisite Italian fabrics, textiles, unique artworks and jewelry;
- designer boutiques with the latest fashion collections are concentrated on Calle Larga XXII Marzo C. In addition to clothing, here you can find expensive gifts for those closest to you - jewelry, watches, writing utensils.
The markets of Venice are very popular with both locals and tourists. The best ones are:
- morning market - Mercato di Rialto;
- dell'Antiquariato San Maurizio (see the dates of the fairs in 2021 on their website);
The most popular shopping centers and outlets in Venice:
- T Fondaco Dei Tedeschi - More than 300 brands, Michelin-starred restaurant and stunning views from the rooftop terrace.
- Noventa di Piave - over 150 shops, clothing and household goods.
- Galleria Barcella - sells the original Italian brands Marco Nils, La Nana and other famous designer brands such as Burberry, Balenciaga;
- Nave de Vero - a giant shopping center where you can not only buy quality clothes, but also visit a bar or restaurant, watch a football match on a huge screen;
- Auchan at Centro Commerciale Porte di Mestre - affordable prices, as well as everything for a pleasant pastime.
Half an hour from Venice is another great Italian city for shopping and sightseeing - Verona.
Bologna for shopaholics
The best place to start your shopping tour of Bologna's boutiques is from the very center. Outlets and shops of the most famous brands such as Promos, Benetton or Intimissimi are located here, in the area of Via Stefano, Via dell'Indipendenza, Corte Isolani and Piazza Cavour.
Fans of YSL, Max Mara, Bvlgari, Hermes, Armani brands can safely go to Via Farini and the surrounding areas.
Men's shopping area - Massimo d'Azeglio street.
If you don't know what to buy in Bologna, go to the suburbs, to the Casalecchio di Reno shopping center - there is a huge selection of brands at affordable prices.
Bologna regularly hosts exhibitions of fur, footwear, cosmetics, and at flea markets you can find rare antiques or original vintage handicrafts.
Seasons of discounts and sales
Saldi and sconti are the two main discount seasons in Italy, which take place in winter and summer.
Sale dates in Italy:
- from January 7 to March 1;
- from 6 July to September – October.
Winter sales, which are fevering all over Europe before Christmas, have not spared Italy either. If you want to buy original clothes from world famous brands, but you are not sure when the Christmas sales start in Italy, please note that in regular stores the official discount period starts on the first Saturday of January.
However, this rule does not apply to outlets and spits: seasonal discounts of 30–40% can be found in late November – early December. In order not to be mistaken, it is better to check the exact dates in the established sales calendar.
How shops work in Italy
Typically, the opening hours of shops in Italy are from 8.00 to 20.00 from Monday to Saturday. But there are also exceptions. For example, in the resorts, shopping is possible on all days of the week, including Sunday, and after 20.00.
Going shopping during the day, keep in mind that there is a high probability of stumbling upon a lunch break (siesta), which can even be two and a half hours: from 13:00 to 15: 00-15: 30.
To go shopping in Italy, Russians need to apply for a tourist visa. Documents to be submitted to the Visa Application Center:
- passport - original and copy of the first page;
- visa application form, completed in Italian or English, with signature and photo;
- medical insurance for the Schengen countries with insurance coverage of at least 30 thousand euros;
- passport;
- certificate from the place of work;
- bank statement;
- round trip tickets;
- hotel reservation;
- a receipt confirming that the consular fee has been paid (35 euros).
It is very convenient to contact a travel agency that will select a suitable shopping tour and help with paperwork. Those who do not want to overpay for the operator's services organize shopping on their own.
Tax free refund
To order a tax-free in Italy, which is 22% of the purchase here, you first need to find a store where this service is provided.
It is also important to remember that the purchase amount must not be less than 154 euros in each store. If everything matches and the buyer has a passport with him, a special form is filled out.
Returns in Italy are handled by three companies:
- Global Blue,
- Premier Tax Free,
- Tax Refund.
You can return money either in cash or to a bank card:
- partially in the store (or completely, but for certain categories of goods: exclusive items, branded products of the perfume industry, jewelry, fur coats);
- in the office of one of three companies in the city;
- in the airoport;
- upon returning home.
Summer shopping in Italy can be especially successful. Great weather, sea and beaches, and shopping in the evenings. Since summer sales start in July and last until the end of August or even September, this is the best time to go on a shopping tour of Italy.
In order to buy not only summer clothes, but also autumn, winter and demi-season clothes, it is advisable to visit Italy in January: New Year's Saldi starts just from the beginning of the month. During the same period, prices for flights and housing are usually significantly reduced. In financial terms, the trip can be very profitable, but you can not guess with the weather.
As a general rule, with the start of the discount season, shops in the most popular Italian cities are literally besieged by crowds of shoppers. For those who do not like the flea market, it is better to go a couple of weeks after the start of sales, especially since prices then fall by another 40-50 percent.
But the range of sizes, alas, is also decreasing, and things of the required size may simply not remain in stock.
To combine shopping with summer holidays in Italian seaside resorts, the beaches of Rimini or Tuscany are ideal. Other cities include: Naples, Riccione, Bari, Milano Marittima, Calabria, Ravenna, Cezantico, Cattolica, Trieste, Bellaria-Igea Marina.
Outcome
Italy is undoubtedly the European gem in terms of economical and enjoyable shopping. Prices are very affordable here, especially if you visit during the summer or winter sales season.
The cost of goods, including clothing, footwear, cosmetics, and exclusive products for the home, is sometimes reduced by 2 times or more from the original.
Shopping in smaller and less touristy towns is likely to be more successful. Although the prices for international brands in all outlets in Italy are approximately the same.
