Miuccia Prada once said "What you wear is how you present yourself to the world, especially today, when human contacts are so quick. Fashion is instant language." And if there is something we know, it’s that Italians like to look good. From Versace to Valentino, the country spews out as a many fashion icons as new ways to season eggplant.
Many of the high fashion brands we know and love can have items more than the average salary of an Italian which is why this time of year is so special to many, the start of the official sale season. Twice a year, both in January and in summer are the two biggest sales periods all over Italy.
While January can be a somewhat depressing month all over the world, here in Italy it is actually a wonderful time. Besides the Epiphany holiday on the 6th, it’s the prime time to stock up on jackets, boots and just about anything before tourism starts in the spring. Officially the winter sales started this Tuesday, and typically will run until stock runs out (around the end of February). Just look for the word ‘saldi’ and you are on the right pathway.
Bring your elbows because popular items tend to be highly valued by customers who have been waiting all year for that very moment. According to estimates from the ’Ufficio Studi di Confcommercio, each family will spend 346 Euros for the clothing, footwear and accessories (3% more than last year), for a total value of 5.4 billion of euros. My recommendation is to get an espresso before you go and wear something easy to change out of as you hop from store to store.
The History Behind The Sales
Unlike other areas of the world, sales are closely regulated. And In Italy, everything has a story –the twice-yearly national sales were actually born during Fascism in Italy. A special law was passed on June 2nd, 1939 whereby stores could sell their wares for a super discount or liquidation which would be presented to the public as a favorable opportunity, like to help spur up economic growth during tumultous times. The merchandise was mainly clothing, because if its short seasonal usability.
Like today, the item’s price must be clearly indicated during the sale and can not change during the period. The local authorities must decide on the start date, which tends to differ region by region. In 2016, you can find all of the current dates right here.
Tips For Getting The Best Deal
Shopping can be stressful and to avoid pulling your hair out this January, follow our helpful tips on getting the best bang for the buck. Remember that by law, the original price must be clearly indicated next to the sale price.
- For the best discounts, we suggest heading to the shops early on during the sales before everything gets picked through, even though the prices can continue to drop as the sales season continues. I can remember countless times when I’ve personally waited too long before shopping only to find xs or xl in every single color I would wear.
- If you want to be sure that what you are buying is a good deal, check the item online first.
- Have a clear idea of what you are looking for before you leave the house. While those shirts might seem cute, maybe you really needed shoes and a belt instead.
- Don’t forget about accessories, after all they are a girl's best friend. This is the best time to stock up on daily items such as tights (stockings), socks, underwear, scarves which are often dirt cheap.
- If something seems like a great deal (50% or more) make sure to check for holes or anything that might mean the product is faulty, because often stores hide the worst or oldest items here. Ask for and keep the receipt. If an item has defects, you can always get your money back (by law) and we highly recommend trying on anything you want to buy first.
- When it comes to ‘when to go’ if you can, avoid Saturday afternoons and Sundays which is peak time for families to be out and about shopping, try a weekday morning or an hour before closing time to beat the crowds.
Milan
The fashion capital has no shortage of options, and for a few tips before you go, check out this interview with two well-known Italian fashion bloggers. In Milan, you can find many of the most popular shopping streets at the Quadrilatero d'Oro ‘rectangle of gold,’ have a look for deals on Via della Spiga (Fendi, Just Cavalli), via Manzoni (Armani superstore), via sant’andrea (Trussardi, Missoni), and Via Montenapoleone (Ralph Lauren, Versace). Don’t forget about a stop at the majestic Gallerie Vittorio Emanuele II near the Duomo cathedral, this historical arcaded Art Nouveau gallery was built from 1865 to 1877, and is as much a feast on the eyes as a bite to the wallet.
For boutique fashions and deals by less well-known names, we suggest heading over to Brera district while Corso Buenos Aires is home to more high-street names.
Earlier this year, we covered Italy’s city of Fashion with an in-depth article on where to find bargains. We also suggest going to some of the outlets in the city such as Salvagente, a popular outlet with brands such as Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci, there is also Matia’s Outlet, L’Emporio Isola. Some of the better deals can be found at Vicolungo outley, take the shuttle from Foro Bonaparte or Serravalle Outlet, the shuttle bus leaves from the same departure point as Vicolungo.
Rome
There are plenty of shopping opportunities in the Eternal city, keep an eye out for the designer boutiques around Via Condotti (think inspirational window shopping) and Piazza de Spagna where you can find Fendi, Prada and other well-known names. Additional high fashion brands can be found on Via Borgognona, Via Frattina, Via Sistina, and Via Bocca de Leone while the Via del Corso is a street running a mile long from piazza venezia to piazza del popolo with plenty of shops. Also try Via Cola di Rienzo (Prati). A personal favorite shopping street is via del boschetto, a charming place in the Monti neighborhood, home to vintage shops and swanky boutiques – close by is the Mercato Monti (weekend market) where locals clamor up for one-of-a-kind pieces from local artisans.
Shopping malls in town include the Galleria Porta di Roma, Euroma 2, Roma Est and Parco Leonardo, while the closest outlets are The Castel Romano and the Fashion District.
Florence
Florentines are known for their classic tastes and the best shopping streets are the central Via dei Calzaiuoli (for high street) and Via del corso, the other main shopping street with plenty of options, it opens up to piazza della repubblica and continues on to piazza della signoria. For luxury goods head down to via de’ tornabuoni, home to the Ferragamo store and museum among many other high fashion brands, along with Via della Vigna Nuova. Also have a peek at nearby via della spade which is home to Mio Concept store, a local favorite. Another hidden gem is via Ghiberti which is definitely worth the walk, a shopping street with high-street fashions as well as smaller boutiques.
To escape the crowds, we suggest heading over to the ‘oltrarno’ or ‘other side of the river’ which is home to artisans and locals and some really fabulous shopping. My tip is to go down via romana which is home to many interesting boutiques, via Maggio (look for & Company boutique) and via di santo spirito.
Outside of the city center in the Tuscan countryside you can find several outlets featuring great deals including Barberino Designer Outlet, The Mall and a Prada outlet. A bit further out between Arezzo and Siena is the Valdichiana Outlet Village which has discounts all year long and a bit more options.
Shop Online, It’s Easier!
One easy way to avoid the stress of shopping is to take advantage of sale season by purchasing goods online. Some of our favorite online shops in Italy include Zalando, Yoox, Asos, Mango, Sarenza and Intimissimi. We have just expanded our online shop where you can get foodie finds, exclusive vespa-themed items and curated guidebooks, have a look here for the best deals. If you need a few tips with Italian shopping vocabulary, we have you covered.
