Discount/Outlet Shopping

Dear Kathy,

My name is Giovanni and I'm writing from Italy. I used to watch the travel and shopping tales & tips on your web site. I love it!!!! Last week I went to Florence, Tuscany (Italy). It's a beautiful place to go, beautiful landscape and good wine... Because of my will to make shopping, a friend of mine, Filippo, brought me to a shopping centre, called The Mall outlet centre.... It was brilliant!!! It is close to Florence and you can find Gucci, Armani, Yves Saint Laurent, Loro Piana, Bottega Veneta outlet shops, with prices very discounted... Fantastic!!!!! So I like to suggest you and all travelers community this outlet... For the opening hours and how to reach it, maybe it is better if you contact - tel +39 055 8657 775 - the centre before going, because I wrong the way many times!!! As is it easy to notice, during my travels I like to make discounted shoppin... so do you have any specific tips for people like me? Could you suggest me what guide could be useful for my next travels? Thanks for your tips...

Ciao, Giovanni

Dear Giovanni,

Everyone loves a bargain. Thanks for your tip on the outlet center near Florence. As for your question about discounted shopping, it depends on the country and the culture. In France, for instance, there are sales twice a year with heavily discounted merchandise. And there are stores that are known for lower prices such as Tati and Monoprix. Throughout the United States, there are numerous discount stores and outlet centers. In most countries all around the world, you can bargain for the best price in the street markets, bazaars, and souks, even in small stores depending upon what you are buying, the quantity, and the price.

I suggest you do a bit of research before you visit a particular country. Most countries have websites that also direct you to shopping information. In the US, for example you might try the chamber of commerce sites for individual states. You can try an online search (in Google, for example) for “discount shopping” for whatever country you plan to visit. If you are in another country and do not have access to the information, check with your hotel concierge or locals who probably know where to direct you for the best deals.

Ciao,