Designer Factory Outlets Florence

[cruisename]

Does anyone know how or where the factory outlets (prada, gucchi, etc) are and how to get to them? Any info appreciated. Thanks

[Hlitner]

We have never had luck finding a "real" outlet within the tourist part of Florence. There is an outdoor flea market located a few blocks from the Duomo area, and sometimes you can get lucky with these vendors. A few years ago Travel and Leisure had an article on the outlets that you can access at :

[url="http://www.travelandleisure.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=B26B9BA6-368A-425D-961B35B439795525"]www.travelandleisure.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=B26B9BA6-368A-425D-961B35B439795525[/url]

hope this helps.
Hank

[itsjb1]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by cruisename:
Does anyone know how or where the factory outlets (prada, gucchi, etc) are and how to get to them? Any info appreciated. Thanks<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


I noticed on the driverinrome.com web site that they do a tour that takes you to the outlets

[Mlynn]

We plan to go to the outlets and have some directons. Take the Superstrada FI-PI-LI (you will easily find this indication) directions to Florence. You arrive in Florence and you take the Autostrada Al direction Rome and exit at VALDARNO. from there you can follow the instructions below:
[url="http://www.intuscany.net/guides/shopping_spacci.htm"] <A HREF="http://www.intuscany.net/guides/shopping_spacci.htm[/url]" TARGET=_blank>http://www.intuscany.net/guides/shopping_spacci.htm[/URL]</A>

We got these direction from someone who lives in Florence so hopefully they will be good.

[Hlitner]

I will add one more comment (probably unwanted). Our European friends now come to the USA to get bargains on European fashions! I suspect the prices in the New Jersey outlets (near Secaucus) on most Italian fashions, is less than it is in Italy. Keep in mind that the dollar has plunged by nearly 40% in the last few years, and Italy also has a 19% VAT tax. The VAT is refundable if you spend a certain amount (it used to be about $150) but its not easy to get the refund when on ships (you can get instant refunds in airports). At the current time I think America is the best shopping place with the exception of some Asian cities.

Hank

[cruisename]

Thank you everyone for all the info...my daughter and i are now ready to shop till we drop!

[Hornblower]

The stockhouses selling discounted and discontinued lines from well-known designers can be found about half an hour out of Florence in the Tuscan countryside. There are three main outlets — Dolce & Gabbana, Prada and The Mall. Avoid shopping on weekends, public holidays or peak sale periods.

The Mall stocks Gucci, Armani, Sergio Rossi, Lori Piana, Bottega Veneta, Giorgio Armani, and Yves Saint Laurent. Prada Outlet sells shoes, bags, sunglasses and clothing by Miu Miu, Helmut Lang, Jil Sander and, of course, Prada. You take a numbered ticket and sip coffee until your number is called — and then you shop like crazy. Dolce & Gabbana's world-famous products are at prices you will find nowhere else.

The Mall
Via Europa 8, Leccio, Reggello 50060
Florence
Ph: +39 055 865 7775
Fax: +39 055 865 7801
[url="http://www.outlet-firenze.com"]www.outlet-firenze.com[/url]
[email]info@design-management.it[/email]

Dolce Gabbana
Santa Maddalena 49
Plan dell'Isol, Incisa in Val d'Arno
Ph: +39 055 833 1300

Prada
Lavnella Montevarchi
Ph: +39 055 91 901
Il Guardaroba/Stock House
Borgo Albizi 48/r Florence
Ph: +39 055 234 0271

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Cheers