Hi there. I'm headed to Italy in September. I am a fan of consignment shops in the US and wondered if there is such a thing in Italy -- that is, shops that sell secondhand (but nice!) clothing. Or firsthand but cheaper clothing. I like clothes, but I am a cheapskate! I will be in Milan, Venice, Florence, Siena and Cinque Terre.
Thanks!
Susan
If you are on the lookout for bargains do your shopping in the US. Clothes in Italy are generally more expensive due to the VAT tax and the fact that not all of it comes from China. There are big chain stores here that sell cheap, but you have them in the US too, like H&M and Zara. Some of the markets in Florence sell vintage clothing, but they aren't cheap either. With the euro at a $1.60 finding any bargains will be hard, I would hold out until you find something you can't live without (a leather jacket perhaps) and then splurge.
Be sure to shop in the markets. There a plenty of markets offering both used and new clothing. Of course, Florence has its leather markets as well. Stores are expensive due to the poor dollar, VAT, etc.Be sure to visit the food and flower markets as well. They're really interesting and are less touristy.
You won't find cheap clothing retail in Italy. Believe it or not the cheapest clothing is in the US. I save up every year and take an empty suitcase with me for my trip to NYC and go beserk.
Having said that there is a designer outlet mall outside of Florence. I have heard of it but never visited. There are day tours to it. From the Viator website : You visit Prada first and then go onto the mall. "At the Mall you'll have two hours to shop for Agnona, Alexander McQueen, Armani Jeans, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Emanuel Ungaro, Ermenegildo Zegna, Fendi, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Hogan, I Pinco Pallino, La Perla, Loro Piana, Marni, Pucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Sergio Rossi, Stella McCartney, Tod's, Valentino, Yohji Yamamoto and Yves Saint Laurent." Have heard very mixed reports some say fantastic some say not worth the waste of a day.
