where to buy leather purses/shoes?? Venice Florence Rome??

I did the Venice, Florence, Rome trip last fall, and several of us waited until we got to Florence to buy leather jackets/purses. Our guide suggested a store called Massimos, and he gave a great deal to anyone on the Rick Steves tour. Florence really is know for its leather goods so I think you will get a better deal there.

Same experience. Florence is full of leather shops. The vendors in the street markets are tempting, but if you want authentic you need to shop reputable stores. They aren't giving anything away, however. We got nice jackets at Massimo's but you should know the relative cost of things before you go. When we were there, the shop was full of American students (from the University) who told us that this is the place they all go.

Since most leather goods are made in Tuscany (by Chinese immigrants for the most part), Florence is the most natural choice.

Thank you for the info!!

If you can spot good quality, you may get some bargains in the Florence market - some is schlock, but some is very good. Also know that the shops have stalls to attract buyers also. If you don't see what you're looking for in the stall, you are likely to be sent to the shop behind the stall, or down the street, or around the corner, for a bigger selection. And bargain in the shops as well as the stalls.

I agree. We bought leather jackets in Florence and didn't see the same variety/quality availability anywhere else. We ended up seeing what we wanted in a stall, but were immediately taken to the store to try it on and see mirrors etc. and make the final deal. We bargained a little, but ended up also buying a second jacket.

Also the selection of scarves in Florence is really great. I wish I had bought more there. We didn't think the shopping in Rome was nearly as good.

Cash usually gets better prices in the shops than plastic, because the merchant avoids the cc fees.

If you are interested in gloves, Madova in Florence is the best! Bought several pairs in various colors when I was there. Many, many styles, too. http://www.madova.com/

Can anyone give a general idea on costs to expect for leather purses/shoulder tote bags to expect in Florence.
I am assuming not cheap since the materials and quality are high but should expect much less than one would pay from a high end brand name such as LV, Chanel?
Hopefully still less than a brand like Coach?

Is 200 euro reasonable to pickup something of high quality and large size? brand name not important but quality is.
If shopping for something in the 200 euro range would you be more inclined to go to one area or another, for example stay away from street stalls cause they are cheaper than that but also avoid the leather school or certain stores cause that budget is the cost of a pair of gloves not a bag?

Would like to be able to get a nice birthday/trip gift for my wife but don't want to go broke in the process.

I have bought leather goods in Firenze and Roma and don't find much difference in the price for similar items.

For mreynolds, you should find lots of choices in the under-200 euro range, beautiful quality but not the universally-known name brands. I have bought (too) many purses in both Firenze and Roma for 8-160 euro each.

I did buy gloves at Madova as well as in the market once in February. The ones in the market were not as stylish but actually warmer and more comfortable and cost less than half the price. I love both pairs. When I was back in Florence a couple years later, it was mid-May and very hard to find gloves in the market (seasonal item). I ended up buying 2 pair at a shop in the market (I started at one of their stalls) and 2 pair at Madova. There was no visible difference in quality or style - it's just that I wanted certain sizes and colors that were available at one but not the other. The shop in the market was still markedly cheaper than Madova, but hardly half price.