One of the things that immediately springs to mind when people think of Italy is fashion, however, designer brands are not within everyone's budget. Plus, nothing beats the thrill of finding a good bargain. This is precisely why outlet shopping is increasingly popular and, in the area around Florence, there are plenty of outlets to choose from.
If you are planning a holiday to Italy and want to treat yourself while there, find a villa with pool in Florence as a base and spend days exploring the surrounding countryside as you make your way to a range of outlets dotted in the landscape.
If you are planning a holiday to Italy and want to treat yourself while there, find a villa with pool in Florence as a base and spend days exploring the surrounding countryside as you make your way to a range of outlets dotted in the landscape.
The most famous of all of these outlets is easily, The Mall, which is located in the rolling Tuscan hills, thirty minutes from Florence. Not only can you shop brands such as Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Fendi, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, La Perla, Marni, Pucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Sergio Rossi, Stella McCartney, Tod's, Valentino, Yohji Yamamoto and Yves Saint Laurent but there are also lovely facilities onsite to make your visit more pleasant. There is even a Gucci Caffé.
Other outlets include Fashion Valley, which was opened in 2011. Close to The Mall and others in the area, it offers additional choice and stores nearby. There are twenty boutique shops with Italian and international brands such as Versace, Ermanno Scervino, Trussardi, Hermes, Chopard, Pomellato and many more.
Barberino Designer Outlet, however, is much larger with over 100 shops selling everything from clothing to cosmetics, electrical appliances, chocolate and shoes. The most famous brands are Prada, D&G, Lacoste, Furla, Polo Ralph Laurent, Belstaff and Calvin Klein.
In addition there are also stores for lower-end brands that are more affordable such as Puma, Adidas, Pinko, Guess and Pupa.
Valdichiana Outlet Village is one of the best fashion outlets in Tuscany and located between Arezzo and Siena inside a beautiful building surrounded by the natural loveliness of the landscape. There are over 140 shops including Replay, Benetton, Puma, Sisley, Bassetti, Bata, and many others. There is also a beauty centre, children’s playground, library, tourist office, bars and restaurants.
In addition to these shopping outlets, there are several factory outlets in Tuscany for famous fashion designers. Dolce and Gabbana have one such location near The Mall in Santa Maria Maddalena Pian dell'Isola, Incisa in Val D'Arno. Fendi has a one just next to The Mall with 50% discounts on everything. In Sesto Fiorentino, in the outskirts of Florence is the Roberto Cavalli Factory Outlet. These destinations are a definite must for any serious fashion lovers spending time in Florence. However, bear in mind that you'll need patience, a keen eye, plenty of breaks and, while there is public transportation available to some of the locations, it is easiest if you can drive around yourself. Here's hoping you find the bargains you are after!
Barberino Designer Outlet, however, is much larger with over 100 shops selling everything from clothing to cosmetics, electrical appliances, chocolate and shoes. The most famous brands are Prada, D&G, Lacoste, Furla, Polo Ralph Laurent, Belstaff and Calvin Klein.
In addition there are also stores for lower-end brands that are more affordable such as Puma, Adidas, Pinko, Guess and Pupa.
Valdichiana Outlet Village is one of the best fashion outlets in Tuscany and located between Arezzo and Siena inside a beautiful building surrounded by the natural loveliness of the landscape. There are over 140 shops including Replay, Benetton, Puma, Sisley, Bassetti, Bata, and many others. There is also a beauty centre, children’s playground, library, tourist office, bars and restaurants.
In addition to these shopping outlets, there are several factory outlets in Tuscany for famous fashion designers. Dolce and Gabbana have one such location near The Mall in Santa Maria Maddalena Pian dell'Isola, Incisa in Val D'Arno. Fendi has a one just next to The Mall with 50% discounts on everything. In Sesto Fiorentino, in the outskirts of Florence is the Roberto Cavalli Factory Outlet. These destinations are a definite must for any serious fashion lovers spending time in Florence. However, bear in mind that you'll need patience, a keen eye, plenty of breaks and, while there is public transportation available to some of the locations, it is easiest if you can drive around yourself. Here's hoping you find the bargains you are after!
Photo credits
picture 1: Sailko / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Kārlis Dambrāns / CC BY 2.0;
picture 3: Luca Aless / CC BY-SA 3.0
picture 1: Sailko / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Kārlis Dambrāns / CC BY 2.0;
picture 3: Luca Aless / CC BY-SA 3.0