Clothing Outlets in Rome

[yarramar]

We are spending 5 nights in Rome pre cruise and wondering if it would be worth packing light and supplementing our wardrobes by shopping in the fashion capital of the world.

 

We will be in Rome 1st week of September, are there sales on at that time?

We are not looking for high fashion, just quality casual wear with a european flair.

Are there factory outlets in Rome or places where we can get value for our dollar?

 

I would appreciate any advise from experienced shoppers.

[euro cruiser]

I'm not aware of any outlet stores in Rome. The best bargains I've seen are at the markets, like the huge Porta Portese market in Rome on Sunday mornings/afternoons.

 

If you have a port day in Genoa, you can take the train to the big Serravalle outlet mall: http://www.mcarthurglen.it/serravalle/home/home.php?s=marchi&lang=en

 

Outside of Florence there are several, including The Mall in Leccio: http://www.themall.it/TheMall2_1.html, Lo Spaccio in Montevarchi: http://www.intuscany.net/guides/shopping_spacci_2.htm, and Barberino (north of Florence): http://www.mcarthurglen.it/barberino/home/home.php?lang=en

 

This won't help you, coming from Australia, but I know a woman who runs shopping tours to Italy. You might get some ideas from her web site: http://www.shoparoundtours.com/home.php

[portofrome]

You could go to:

 

http://www.soratteoutlet.it/eng/index.php

http://www.mcarthurglen.it/castelromano/home/home.php?lang=en

 

and also just outside Fiumicino airport there is "Parco Leonardo" a big mall. This one is very easy to get by local train to FCO airport (no Leonardo Express).

[yarramar]

Thank you! :) I will definitely check all these out.

[CathyCruises]

I don't know about fashion wear, but when we were there the prices were extremely high. DH needed a sweatshirt or fleece, something casual and basic just to wear in the early mornings. We went to local street markets and regular shops and were just shocked at the prices--$75+! He also wanted some gloves, nothing fancy, not leather, and those were in the $40-50 range too. I am talking gloves that you could get anywhere in the states for $10. And this was in January, not in touristy locations.

 

Maybe outlets in large cities would be different, just wanted to share my personal experience.

[cruisemom42]

I agree clothing prices in Rome (and all of Italy) are high. One time my suitcase was "delayed" and I had to buy a few items -- not cheap. I have not gone out to the Castel Romano outlets, as the reviews I've read have been lukewarm.

 

Here's a post from Tripadvisor with a lot of options (both stores and markets) to consider:

 

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187791-i22-k2230985-Looking_for_nice_cheap_shopping_outlets_stores-Rome_Lazio.html

 

There are several department stores: La Rinascente and Coin are more upscale, Upim is less so.

 

Here are a couple more tips for shopping in Rome:

 

1) Know your size (e.g., check online for what size you would be in Italian clothing) and then round up. Italian clothes seem to be cut small.

 

2) If you are in a nice shop, be aware that the sales staff is there to HELP you. Often stores do not have everything displayed (they simply don't have room), so if you don't see something in your size, ask. Or if you see something you like but isn't quite right, enlist their help. There may be more options in the back.