We have been discussing Italian fashion on the blog all this week, introducing new brands to all of those fashion lovers who are planning vacations in Tuscany. However, there is one thing that all fashion fans can agree makes everything better – a good bargain! Fortunately, Tuscany is actually one of the better regions to holiday in if you are after a bargain. There are several outlet centres located around Tuscany and they are lovely places to shop. The word “outlet” can evoke depressing images of unorganised bargain basements but these outlets are nothing like that. They are pretty, well-designed, well-stocked and well-organised.
One of the finest examples is the Barberino Designer Outlet in Barberino di Mugello, which is the original outlet village in the McArthurGlen Designer Outlets group. The centre itself is incredibly charming. Located just off the motorway, 30 minutes from Florence and a couple minutes from the small town of Barberino di Mugello, it consists of over 100 stores and brands and is built to look like a picturesque Tuscan village.
One of the finest examples is the Barberino Designer Outlet in Barberino di Mugello, which is the original outlet village in the McArthurGlen Designer Outlets group. The centre itself is incredibly charming. Located just off the motorway, 30 minutes from Florence and a couple minutes from the small town of Barberino di Mugello, it consists of over 100 stores and brands and is built to look like a picturesque Tuscan village.
The buildings are appointed and decorated in typical Tuscan style with a few having castellated towers (!) and flowers and benches are everywhere. There is even a little river that slices the village in half and is crossed by several pretty wooden bridges that are, again, painted and appointed with flowers.
The village is home to brands such as Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Cavalli, Patrizia Pepe, Michael Kors, Pinko, Furla, Guess, Twin Set, Desigual, Hugo Boss, Nike, Adidas and more and boasts daily discounts of 30 to 70%, as well as special discounts throughout the year. Maps are provided to help you find your way around but if you have found a vacation rental in Florence, you can actually take dedicated buses to and tours of the outlet. These buses depart every day from Piazza Stazione in Florence leaving at 9:30am, 11:30am, 2pm and 4pm and returning at 1pm, 3pm, 6pm and 8pm. The tour includes your transportation and a special shopping card that allows you to get an additional 10% discount in selected shops.
The village is home to brands such as Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Cavalli, Patrizia Pepe, Michael Kors, Pinko, Furla, Guess, Twin Set, Desigual, Hugo Boss, Nike, Adidas and more and boasts daily discounts of 30 to 70%, as well as special discounts throughout the year. Maps are provided to help you find your way around but if you have found a vacation rental in Florence, you can actually take dedicated buses to and tours of the outlet. These buses depart every day from Piazza Stazione in Florence leaving at 9:30am, 11:30am, 2pm and 4pm and returning at 1pm, 3pm, 6pm and 8pm. The tour includes your transportation and a special shopping card that allows you to get an additional 10% discount in selected shops.
There are also some nice places to eat on-site, including an Asian fusion restaurant and several typical Italian eateries. I was so excited on my recent trip there to see Japanese food (I can only eat so much pizza and pasta) that I immediately ran in there for my lunch but be warned: food is rather over-priced in the centre! If you want to save a bit of money, maybe bring your own food or eat in the town nearby, instead. Another handy feature is the playground which will help appease and kids who were unhappy at being brought along in the first place!
Normally, outlet centres are too small and full and stressful but my whole (prone to complaining) family enjoyed our visit there recently and if it is a place that can cater to all of us, you know it's good! If you're looking to shop and get the biggest bang for your buck in Tuscany, this is the place, just find a vacation rental in Barberino di Mugello.
Normally, outlet centres are too small and full and stressful but my whole (prone to complaining) family enjoyed our visit there recently and if it is a place that can cater to all of us, you know it's good! If you're looking to shop and get the biggest bang for your buck in Tuscany, this is the place, just find a vacation rental in Barberino di Mugello.