Among the many things Italy is known for, fashion is near the top of the list. For serious shoppers, consider a trip to one of the various outlets near Florence to find brand names at discounted prices.
The Mall
Via Europa 8, Leccio (close to Reggello)
The Mall offers a memorable high end shopping experience in the picturesque Tuscan countryside.
Famous names include Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Dior, Emilio Pucci, Ermenegildo Zegna, Fendi, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Hogan, Loro Piana, Roberto Cavalli, Salvatore Ferragamo, Tod’s, Valentino, Yves Saint Lauren, and others.
Getting to The Mall from Florence is simple and convenient. SITA buses go directly from the center of Florence to The Mall daily.
Buses leave from the BUSITALIA/SITA depot, which is located at Via Santa Caterina da Siena 17, very close to Santa Maria Novella train station.
The Mall also features a restaurant open daily for lunch from 12 noon until 4 pm, and a café open daily from 8 am until 8 pm.
Opening hours: The Mall is open Monday to Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm; special opening hours May 1 and August 15.
Barberino Designer Outlet
Famous names include Boggi, Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana, Furla, Missoni, Polo Ralph Lauren, Prada and others.
Barberino hosts a number of cafés and restaurants.
Buses leave twice daily from Santa Maria Novella train station at 10 am and 2:30 pm. Buses return to Florence from the outlet at 1:30 pm and 6 pm. Tickets cost 15 euro for adults, 8 for children aged 14-16, and free for children under 14. There is no need to make reservations, and tickets can be purchased onboard.
Hours: Monday – Friday: 10 am – 8 pm, Saturday & Sunday: 10 am – 9 pm
SPACE
(Prada Outlet), Via Levanella Becorpi / Località Levanella S.S. 69, Montevarchi
Prada outlet, also carries Miu Miu, Helmut Lang, Jill Sander, Church
How to get there: Take the train to Montevarchi, and from the station SPACE is only a short taxi ride away.
Upon arrival at the outlet you are given a number that will be used to identify your purchases. It is necessary to provide this number at checkout.
TAX REFUND
www.agenziadoganemonopoli.gov.it
This website explains the details of how to obtain a tax refund. In order to qualify for the refund, the purchase must exceed 155 euro acquired by a non EU resident who must leave Europe within three months of the purchase.
Make sure to ask for this refund when paying for a purchase and the shopkeeper will explain the paperwork. It is recommended to file the refund at the airport, as independent exchange desks will take a percentage. Keep in mind that it is often required to provide a passport number on the paperwork presented upon checkout. (emilia gambardella)
