Can anybody give suggestions on sites to see and where is the best shopping place for our dollar. Where can we go for good bargains for shoes, pocketbooks and etc.
Pacita
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
Where?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23341 posts
Probably Rome since she posted another question about staying in Rome. Get a good guide book. Second, by the time the VAT is added, and the weak dollar, there are no shopping bargains in Europe.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32919 posts
WalMart
Posted by
Cary, NC
687 posts
There may still be some bargains in places like Ukraine and Romania, but not in Rome!
Posted by
Seattle
4637 posts
Try Turkey and Albania. In most places there you still negotiate price.
Posted by
OP
Boston, Mass, usa
3 posts
I'm sorry I forgot Italy leaving in July appreciate anyhelp
thanks in advance
Posted by
Cary, NC
687 posts
If you don't know what you want to see why are you going to Italy? Unless you're seriously rich forget shopping, aside from browsing food markets. Oh, and be aware that buying name brand knock-offs from street vendors is illegal. See, e.g., http://www.fodors.com/world/europe/italy/florence/shopping.html
Posted by
TN, USA
2115 posts
The big outside market in Florence has "some" bargains to be found, if you know prices in the US to compare, and if you take into consideration you need to mentally add about 50% (roughly) for the conversion of the euro to the dollar. Purchased some lovely long wool scarves for 5E (negotiated to that point) that I noticed had a few minor stitching flaws no one would ever notice, and could have gotten a really great deal on a leather jacket (but really didn't neat/want it, and once I established that the price fell further by 100+ euro). Folks from the stalls may invite you around the corner to their "real" stores, etc. In this particular market, be sure to negotiate or at least ask a couple of times what the best price is. Good idea to scout the whole market first, then make buying decisions. Also some junk at the same market, and some what appeared to be really bad knock-offs (purses), especially when assembled on a blanket on a sidewalk. So, buyer beware. Otherwise, I agree with the other posters, no real bargains to be found, considering the low value of our dollar right now. Best to make fewer purchases and buy something that is unique (and definitely made in Italy) that you really love.