Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DESIGNER OUTLET STORES
Keen to replenish your wardrobe with a few designer pieces but don't want to break the bank? Then
head for Florence's out-of-town outlet malls where you can pick up previous-season designer clothing
for 30% to 50% less.
Barberino Designer Outlet
(
www.mcarthurglen.it
; Via Meucci, Barberino di Mugello;
10am-8pm Mon-Fri, to 9pm Sat & Sun) Polo Ralph Lauren, D&G, Prada, Class Roberto Cavalli, Mis-
soni, Furla, Benetton and Bruno Magli are just a few of the 100 labels with stores here. Outlet shuttle
buses (adult/reduced return €15/8, 35 minutes) depart from Piazza della Stazione in Florence at 10am
and 2.30pm daily, departing for the return journey from the outlet, 40km north in Barberino di Mu-
gello, at 1.30pm and 6pm.
The Mall
(
www.themall.it
;
Via Europa 8, Leccio; 10am-7pm) Gucci, Ferragamo, Burberry, Erme-
negildo Zegna, Yves Saint Laurent, Tod's, Fendi, Giorgio Armani, Marni, Valentino et al are represen-
ted in this mall, 30km from Florence. Hourly buses (€5, up to four daily) depart daily from the SITA
bus station. By car, take the Incisa exit off the northbound A1 and follow signs for Leccio.
Shopping
Tacky mass-produced souvenirs (boxer shorts emblazoned with
David's
packet) are
everywhere, not least at the city's two main markets, Mercato Centrale (
Click here
)
and
Mercato Nuovo
MAP
8.30am-7pm Mon-Sat)
, awash with
GOOGLE MAP
(Loggia Mercato Nuovo;
cheap imported handbags and other leather goods.
But for serious shoppers keen to delve into a city synonymous with craftsmanship since
medieval times, there are plenty of ateliers and studios to visit. In medieval Florence gold-
smiths, silversmiths and shoemakers were as
alta moda
as sculptors and artists, and mod-
ern Florentines are just as enamoured of design and artisanship - keen to
fare la bella
figura
(cut a fine figure), appearances are all-important in this city and high-end shops are
patronised by people across the income scale. Some may purchase full wardrobes, others
the occasional accessory, but all will be very conscious of the labels they and other people
are wearing.
Those keen to take a distinctively Florentine treat home should consider leather goods,
jewellery, hand-embroidered linens, designer fashion, perfume, marbled paper, wine, pup-
pets or gourmet foods.
In addition to the following options, try Scuola del Cuoio (
Click here
)
behind Basilica
di Santa Croce for leather.
