Shop til you Drop: Italian Outlet Shopping
For what seems like centuries, the Italians have always dressed well. From their luxurious papal robes to the queen’s lavish gowns, to the annual fashion shows in Milano, Italians have been the envy of their neighbors in the fashion world.
So this holiday season, you’re probably wondering how you can compete at those Gucci prices??? Well, I’ve got a little secret that may surprise you. It’s called “The Mall”. Not just an urban legend, the Mall is what we Americans may call an outlet center. Just 30 minutes by taxi from Florence center, the Mall is a fantastic place to buy designer Italian labels at a fraction of the cost.
With names like Valentino, Armani, Bottega Veneta, Sergio Rossi, Yves Saint Laurent, Ermengildo Zegna and, last but not least Gucci, it is hard to resist the charms of the major labels.
You can find discounts of hundreds of dollars, some with an additional % taken off at the register, you’ll find the line at the cash register stretched out the door!
Personally, I am not a shopper. But everyone coming to Italy likes to take something home for their loved ones, and better yet, a little token to remember their trip for themselves. So forget the coffee mug with the Pope on it, or the perverse Michelangelo boxer shorts. Make your way to The Mall for extreme savings on designer labels and a paupers look at designer fashion in style.
Location: The Mall, Via Europa 8, Leccio, Reggello (+055 865 7775, outlet-firenze.com).
Open 9am-6pm, Tues 9am-1pm and winter Sun 3pm-6pm.