I’m a fashion fanatic I’ll admit, but sadly I can’t pursue my fashion desires with the reckless abandon that I would like. Bank balances and credit limits stand in the way of me and Miu Miu, Balenciaga, Prada and Gucci.
Well thanks to the outlets in Italy, your fashion dreams are no longer relegated to lustful longing of the pages of Vogue. Before you scoff at the idea of an outlet, let me tell you this is no ordinary outlet scenario. There is not a Gap or Nike factory store in sight. All the heavy hitters of fashion have a presence on the outlet scene in Italy. To name just a few: Prada, Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana, Armani, Burberry, Fendi, YSL, McQueen, McCartney, Marni, La Perla. That’s not even the full list, now that I have your attention let’s figure out how to get there.
Florence serves as the home base for this outlet shopping experience. In between eating glorious Tuscan food and taking in treasured collections of art at the Uffuzi, schedule time to visit the outlets if you are so inclined. If you weren’t inclined before, seeing how well the Italians dress might change your mind. Italians definitely have cornered the market on style and fashion. This may be partly due to readily available quality goods and services from Italy. We have a chance to bring some of that killer Italian style back home with us thanks to the outlets.
There are two outlets within train or bus rides of Florence. Lo Spaccio, or Space, also called “I Pellettieri D’Italia” houses the outlets for Prada and Miu Miu. The ubiquitously named “The Mall” houses a whole host of other designer stores including Gucci.
Outlet Reminders
These are clothes, shoes, and handbags from past seasons, but it is possible to find classic pieces that are worth the investment. Also just because it is an outlet does not mean rock bottom prices. There is a serious discount on the items, but a 50% discount on a $1,000 bag is still $500.
Another outlet caveat is that these outlets can be hit or miss. You may have been unlucky enough to arrive after busloads of other tourists who have wiped the place clean. Or maybe they have just not restocked. Maybe there is nothing in your price range. Whatever, the reason it is always a bit of a gamble. Arriving early will help ensure that you get first dibs on the days goodies. Having a sense of humor helps also, at the very least you will get a nice view of the Tuscan countryside on the way to the outlets.
The way I’ve outlined is the cheapest way of getting to the outlets. That way you have more Euros to spend once you get to the outlets. If you don’t have alot of time and you want to hit all the outlets in one day, the taxi drivers will have posted the price to drive you to the other outlets. It can get a bit pricey, but if you’re short on time it may be worth it. There are also whole tours organized to take you to the outlets but these are also pricey.
Prada Outlet (Lo Spaccio, or Space, or I Pellettieri D’Italia)
Loc. Levanella – Montevarchi
Tel: 055 91901
Monday – Friday 10AM-7PM
Saturday 9:30AM-7PM
Sunday 2PM-7PM
The hours are subject to change so you may want to have hotel/hostel staff call for you to double check the times.
Prada Outlet by Train
To get to the Prada (Space) outlet take a train on the Florence-Rome line and get off in Montevarchi. Check out the train schedule posted in the Florence train station. You will have to look closely at all the stops because Montevarchi will not be the final destination posted, it will be a stop on the way to a larger city. For instance in the shedule shown below:Â Foligno is the final destination, however the train will make a stop in Montevarchi on the way at 13.14 (or 1:14PM). When in doubt of course ask at the information desk. Also make note of the arriving times back to Florence so you know what time to leave the Montevarchi Train station to head back to Florence.
Taxi Information
Once you arrive in Montevarchi. There will be many taxi’s waiting outside of the train station. There is a standard printed fare to take you to the Prada outlet. Before you exit the taxi in mad frenzy to get to the outlet, make sure and grab the taxi driver’s business card and tell him what time you would like to be picked up. DO NOT FORGET TO DO THIS! Some taxi drivers will make you pre-pay. The staff at Space will not call you a cab they will merely point to the pay phone outside which may or may not work with your phone card, if you even have a phone card. Unfortunately I made this mistake once and its no fun trying to use the pay phone and scrambling for a taxi.
Rules of the Prada Outlet
The first rule of the Prada outlet is that you do not talk about Prada outlet, just kidding. The only thing you have to do is take a number before entering, there is number dispenser outside the building. In the busy season, you can’t enter the store until your number is called or flashed on a screen. Otherwise you enter the store but you must hold on to your number. If you want to buy anything the salespeople will take your potential purchases to the cashier and they can only be claimed by showing your number. So after you select an item, a salesperson will most likely ask “number?”, show them your number, and then they take your item to the front. The salespeople speak English as well as many other languages so don ‘t worry if you haven’t studied up on your Italian.
Time
I would allow at least an hour minimum to check out the store, of course some people will need more. There is a cafe next to the outlet where you can grab a snack or an espresso if you have time to spare. The train station also has a small shop where you can buy drinks and sandwiches.
What the Prada Outlet carries
There are womens bags, accessories, shoes, and clothing. The bags at Space seem to start at around 250 Euros. There usually is a small selection of the classic, nylon bag that made the Prada brand so famous and these are usually a relatively good deal. There are also small leather goods such as wallets and keychains. Shoes can be a really good deal, on one trip I bought 4 pairs for 30 Euros each-amazing. On subsequent trips there have still been good deals on shoes but none as sweet as the 30 Euro shoes. It helps to know your Italian shoe size if you’ll be trying on shoes as well. They also have a nice selection of men’s clothing and shoes and a few children’s shoes as well. In addition to Prada the Miu Miu and Linea Rossa lines of the brand are also carried, and usually much cheaper. They also have a small selection of Jil Sander and Helmut Lang.
Driving Directions
If you will be driving here are the driving directions according to the information given out at the tourist office:
Take the A1 highway towards Rome, exit at Valdamo and follow the direction to Montevarchi and then to Levanelle. Follow signs for “I Pellettieri d’Italia” to the Industrial Park location.
Designers at The Mall
The innocuously named “The Mall” houses outlets for: Gucci, Agnona, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Emanuel Ungaro, Emilio Pucci, Ermenegildo Zegna, Fendi, Giorgio Armani, Hogan, I Pinco Pallino, La Perla, Loro Piana, Marni, Salvatroe Ferragamo, Sergio Rossi, Stella McCartney, Tod’s, Valentino, Yohji Yamamoto, Y-3, Yves Satin Laurent. There’s something for everyone here. There is also a sleek little cafe.
The Mall
Via Europa 8 – Loc. Leccio – Regello
Tel: 055 8657775
Email: info@themall.it
Monday – Sunday 10AM-7PM
Getting to the Mall by SITA Bus
The cheapest and easiest way I’ve found to get to this outlet is by bus. There is a daily bus that leaves from the Florence SITA station and drops you right in front of the mall. The SITA station is at Via S. Caterina da Siena 17, it is near the train station. The price last time I used it was 2.90 Euros one way. The bus does return trips throughout the day. The bus schedule last time I went was as follows, please verify these times at the bus station as they may have changed:
Bus Schedule from Florence to the Mall
Monday to Saturday
Depart Florence: 8:30AM Arrive Mall: 9:35AM
Depart Florence: 12:35PM Arrive Mall: 1:37PM
Daily
Depart Florence: 9:00AM Arrive Mall: 9:55AM
Depart Florence: 1:23PM Arrive Mall: 2:15PM
Depart Florence: 3:00PM Arrive Mall: 3:55PM
Bus Schedule from the Mall to Florence
Monday to Saturday
Depart Mall: 11:18AM Arrive Florence: 12:35PM
Depart Mall: 2:23PM Arrive Florence: 3:35PM
Depart Mall: 3:23PM Arrive Florence: 4:25PM
Depart Mall: 6:28PM Arrive Florence: 7:25PM
Depart Mall: 7:23PM Arrive Florence: 8:15PM
Monday to Friday
Depart Mall: 5:10PM Arrive Florence: 6:20PM
Daily
Depart Mall: 12:45PM Arrive Florence: 1:40PM
Depart Mall: 7:05PM Arrive Florence: 8:00PM
Getting to the Mall by Train
You can also get there by train. Take the railway line Florence-Rome and get off at Incisa. Walk a short way down the main street and there’s a cafe on the corner where they can arrange for a cab. If you choose this route you can also request that the driver meet you at a certain time to take you back to the train station. There are taxi’s at the mall, but sometimes they are waiting on customers who’ve reserved and aren’t able to pick up customers. Make sure to note at the train station return times to Florence.
Time
If you are taking the bus, your time is determined by the bus schedule which usually allows plenty of time. I think two hours is plenty, but one hour probably won’t be enough time if you want to go to several stores.
Getting to the mall by Shuttle Bus
Tel: 055 8657775 to reserve
Price: $25 per person round trip, 2 person minimum
There is also a shuttle bus service that will pick you up at your hotel (if it’s centrally located) or from any central local points in the city (if requested). A reservation is required and is made by phoning 055 8657775. Bear in mind there is a 2 person minimum required and it will cost $25 each for round trip fare. The shuttle leaves Florence Monday through Sunday at 9:30AM and 2:30PM and picks you up at 1:30PM or 6:30PM, giving you three hours (it takes about an hour to get there).
Driving Directions
Take the A1 highway towards Rome, exit at Incisa, stay on the right towards Pontassieve until reaching Leccio. Soon after passing the center of Leccio, The Mall will be on the left.
Getting your Goodies Home
If you hit the jackpot and picked up alot of stuff you may not have room left in your luggage. If this is the case, I usually buy a cheap piece of luggage on the street in Florence or at the San Lorenzo market. You can load your stuff in there for the haul home, but be careful not to overload it because you get what you pay for and the luggage zippers can easily break.
Happy shopping!
Chr157
Hi
Is the The mall & Space outlet close to each other? if not, could you please advise how to get there as from The Mall to the space or vice versa? Im travelling from Rome to Florence, which outlet would you suggest to go from Florence train first?
Thank you in advance 🙂
josie
Chr157Hi,
I think it’s easiest to get to Space from Florence, so I would go there first. Space and The Mall aren’t too far from each other, about 20-25 minutes. However, you will have to pay a taxi a pre-determined fee to get from one to the other. I can’t quite remember how much the fee is but it’s definitely over 30 Euros, but this could have changed. The way I outlined here is the cheapest way to get to each place separately. If you are short on time it’s worth paying a cab to take you from Space to The Mall plus it is a nice drive through the countryside. All the cabs have clearly marked signs showing all the prices (this is big business for them). If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to ask. Good Luck!
woo
Hi, from Florence to Space, you mentioned to take a train on the Florence-Rome line and get off in Montevarchi. Can you tell me how much does the train ticket cost? And what is the frequency of the train like? Do we have to buy the train ticket in advance? Thanks!
Mary
Josie,
I am leaving Camaiore tomorrow for a 2:40 flight ut of Rome. I would like to shop in the morning and am trying to decide which would be the best stop for us. Now it looks like ‘space’ is 20 mins on A-1 and the ‘mall’ may be closer. does that sound right? I wonder if one has more quality names than the other??
what would you recommend??
Mary
amateur shopper
Hi, thank you for d detail explanation… It was really good for us to decide and I hope Ican get good deals for shoes. Definitely will update if there is any changes in schedules for others benefit.
elle
hello!!! I’m going to be going to rome, florence, and then milan next week – i must be in rome from the 20th-morning of the 24th but between the 24th – 27th I have my time split between Florence and Milan. Would you recommend going to the mall/space? how long would you say you need to go to this mall – is it a day trip ?? thanks in advanced 🙂
Nitenrz
If you take the train as we did the taxi stand is at the bottom of the train steps. If no one is there, you will see many taxis to call. Trust me the taxis know when the trains get in and they will come to find you. Another caveat, if you want to go bank on the bus, enter and be seated. This will prevent you from standing if it gets full.
JC
Am at SMN Station now with (regional) train tickets in front of me. (Am tired!)
On price…
Rome Termini -> Montevarchi-Terranuova (sp?) EUR 28,30
Mv-T -> Florence EUR 10,40
Florence -> Roma EUR 34,70
Annemarie
Hi, this is great! I’m studying abroad and I’ve been looking for this! Ah! Thanks! Quick question, what was the general price range or discount on the Mall stuff? Like 50%? Or more expensive??? Thanks!!
Rabiya
Just went to The Mall and wanted to write an update. Hope this is useful to someone. The SITA bus fare is now 5 euros one way. The Prada outlet is now at The Mall too. I got great deals on Gucci bags, absolutely made my day!
c.jagermann
We are looking to visit the hot-cotoure fashion factory shops in Italy next month, especially looking for Brunello Cuccineli, Giorgio Armani, Chanel, Dior, Yves St Laurant, Dior, Brioni, Gucci and the like.
Can you send us adresses and coordinates so we can plan our car trip?
Sunny
@Rabiya : you said the prada outlet is now at the mall too…is prada outlet at the mall are big or same stuff at space?so do i still need to go to the space if i go to the mall also? or just go to the mall? try to save time here and expenses too hehehe
other question: are those to outlets open in august? i read some articles that in august most places in italy are closed due to summer holidays….
i am going to italy on 15 to 25 aug from rome,florence,venice, milan…
thanks
Angel
Hi!
If i am departing from Rome to Florence outlet shopping mall (PRADA outlet and The Mall) ,
can you kindly advice on the best & easy way to get there?
Had a hard time planning the route to get to the outlets >.<
Cheers!
reiko
Hey guys!! I am going to Florence on the 21st August and am planning to go to The Mall and Prada outlet on the same day. Anyone would like to join together in a group? Maybe we can save on the transportation fare from Space to the Mall. I am with my sister so there’s only the two of us. We don’t even know the best way to go to Space and the Mall either. How come they don’t have any shuttle bus! >.< Also if Prada outlet is available in the Mall, is it worth it to go to Space then?
Cathy
@Sunny and reiko , I will go to Italy from 16 Aug to 24 Aug, staying in Florence between 20 Aug and 22 Aug, maybe we could join together~
May anyone suggest which outlet is best to go? I don’t really have enough time ….
Gabby
Hi, someone mentioned Prada at The Mall but I checked their website – dont seems to have Prada there. Can anyone else confirm that? Planning a trip there in Oct. Thanks!
liza
hey im going to europe in oct and my trip to florence will be on 23-25th….yeah as per the questions sent earlier, is prada is in the mall already if not wouldnt want to waste time n money to go to the space since no bus provided from mall to the space…those who went already in aug prerhaps can share some experience?
Raluca
Hy,
i was this year in march to Florence and also to the mall. I can tell you that near to the mall, 2 min, it is also Prada. You will find there anything you want. Miu miu also there.But I can not find anything about this Prada on the website, Adress or something I don t know why but is there. I didn t visit Space Prada. Can anyone tell what you can find there becasue I am retournig to the Mall this week at the end. I can tell only that the Mall and Prada near to the Mall must be visit for sure
Mag
Hi, my friend went last year 2011 to both Prada @ The Mall & SPACE. Both locations are worth going as they r of different collections, according to her. She bought a casual Prada bag with triangle plate logo for 88 Euro. She has vow never ever to buy labels in Singapore again as they r seriously overpriced with the taxes etc..she mentioned she bought 3 Prada purses for the price of 1 compared to Singapore & she bought several other stuff fr Prada, YSL, LV etc..her BF bought Tod’s shoes.
Another friend of mine managed to buy a Prada Saffiano long purse in Fox Town, Switzerland, for sfr 277!
I am so envious!
priscilla
plz i would like to know if anybody can walk in and purchase an item without any restriction
josie
priscillaYes, all these outlets are open to the public.
RM
Thank you so much for the helpful info and we’re able to shop at the mall. The wife loved Prada and Gucci outlets. The prices are 50% lower than shopping at the regular store. I’m glad I found your website. The latest price using SITA bus from SMN to the mall is 5,00 Euro one way.
Kim
I’d like to ask you if the shop open during the Christmas season (22th ~ 26th Dec).
moncler
I every time used to read paragraph in news papers but now as
I am a user of net so from now I am using net for content,
thanks to web.
Florença: Outlets! | moda, estilo e afins por Consuelo Blocker
[…] ESTE site em inglês com ótimas informações […]
haslinda
hi between the Mall and Space, which is more cheaper and more varieties that if we were given one choice to choice
\thank you
Bta
Hello, you mentioned that the shuttle from Florence to the Mall is $25. Do you mean 25 euros? That’s what I was quoted and I’m not sure if they are over charging me or not.
Thanks.
Stella
Hi there
By catching the shuttle bus running by the Mall, would you get extra 10% off? This is what happen to the Paris outlet. So wonder if Italy outlet has the same kind of deal
Thanks.
Florença: Outlets! | Fast Fashion Blogs
[…] ESTE site em inglês com ótimas informações […]
miumiu
You ought to be a part of a contest for one of the greatest
blogs on the internet. I’m going to recommend this site!
agnes lim
i have read this page n understand it would be better to visit space outlet 1st den the mall from florence train station (Firenze SM). i have some question. hope anyone can help.
(1) can i just flag a cab to the mall just outside space outlet?
(2) is it easy to get a cab from there?
(3) can the cab sit 5 pax?
(4) how much roughly does it cost to take a cab from space to mall?
(5) is this the best way to go to space using this direction?
Transit directions to D’Uva Daniele
Stazione Santa Maria Novella
Piazza della Stazione, 1
50123 Firenze, Italy
Walk to Firenze Smn
About 2 mins (130 m)
Firenze Smn
1
Train towards Chiusi C.T.
7:34am – 8:28am (54 mins, 9 stops)
Montevarchi T.
Walk to Nodo Intermodale Del Valdarno
About 3 mins (25 mins to make transfer)
Nodo Intermodale Del Valdarno
SI330
Bus towards Arezzo Terminal
8:53am – 8:58am (5 mins, 7 stops)
Levanella
Walk to D’Uva Daniele
About 5 mins (400 m)
D’Uva Daniele
Località Levanella Pateresso, 693/C
Montevarchi Arezzo, Italy
Travel time: about 1 hour 30 mins
thanks you for ur time
agnes lim
sorry i have give a wrong way
Transit directions to D’Uva Daniele
Stazione Santa Maria Novella
Piazza della Stazione, 1
50123 Firenze, Italy
Walk to Firenze Smn
About 2 mins (130 m)
Firenze Smn
1
Train towards Roma Termini
9:09am – 9:47am (38 mins, 4 stops)
Montevarchi T.
Walk to Nodo Intermodale Del Valdarno
About 3 mins (13 mins to make transfer)
Nodo Intermodale Del Valdarno
SI92
Bus towards Levane Pensilina
10:00am – 10:05am (5 mins, 7 stops)
Levanella
Walk to D’Uva Daniele
About 5 mins (400 m)
D’Uva Daniele
Località Levanella Pateresso, 693/C
Montevarchi Arezzo, Italy
Travel time: about 1 hour 2 mins
this should be the right one
P2beijing
This is great outlet I was there in July 2013
All famous brands are there Prada Gucci Armani Loro Piana montcler etc etc see the link for the official website
Easy to go with the Mall shuttle from Florence 2mn from the central train station 5 euros / person / per ride 10euros go and back
You can really get what you want
Outlet price are 30/40 % less as the regular store
But going there during sales ( July for summer) is the must as outlet price are discounted with 30 to 70% more that’s really Shopping Paradise lmao
Good address for shopping maniacs and fashion victims
Prada and Gucci are huge store Armani had 2 stores
All goods are in perfect conditions
Enjoy your Shopping there but I recommend sales period for best prices
lsee
I wonder would it be advisable to take the Outlet Shopping tour that viator offers for US$47?
http://www.viator.com/tours/Florence/Florence-Shopping-Tour-to-Prada-and-the-Mall-Fashion-Outlets/d519-24288GROUP
Travels by coach to Prada Space and the Mall. But it takes up 7 hrs, out of which only 1.5hrs shopping in each outlet. 4 hours on travelling! Sure like lots of time wasted on hotel pickups but it’s more convenient. We’ll be staying in the Piazza della Signoria area so not sure if it’s easy to go Prada Space and Mall on our own.
lsee
Btw, we are going in the beginning of December. Would there be any sales or good buys during that time at Prada Space and the Mall that’s worth the trip? If we’re leaving from Piazza della Signoria area early in the morning, how should we get to Prada Space and then to the Mall? What’s the duration of the journey in all? Thanks in advance for any advice given.
Marilyn
hello, how current is the information that you posted? thank you
retrochicmama
brilliant blog! i’ve been to prada outlet 10 years ago so it was good to read that nothings changed. my friend & i are taking a mummy mini break to florence in october & will be using one of our precious days to pray at prada mecca. can you suggest a nice but cheap b&b or apartment in central florence please?
Shopping outlets that you should visit while in Tuscany | LeisureDaily.com ✈
[…] Prada Space is situated in the locality of Levanella S.S. 69, Montevarchi. The Space sells only Prada clothing and accessories as well as famous labels such as Miu Miu. The mall is open from 10.30am to 7.30pm on Mondays through Friday, 9.30am to 7.30pm on Saturdays and 10.30am to 6.30pm on Sundays and during holidays. […]
Ruth
Thanks so much for all this info! This is great! We’ll be heading to Florence over Easter – would you happen to know whether they’d be open on Easter Monday and Tuesday?
josie
RuthI’m not sure-it’s always best to call ahead or see if your hotel or host can help you find out. Easter is a huge celebration in European countries so it’s best to check beforehand. Bon Voyage!
Dennis
Thanks, Josie. Excellent tips. I’m trying to find out what year you wrote this but I am not able to. Want to check if EUR 2.90 bus fare still applies. Thanks.
Helmut Fabry
Preparing for Florence. Don’t forget your credit card! 🙂
Joanne Breidbart
I never see the same Prada purses etc. that are in the retail stores. Is it the same as USA that they make a lesser quality for factory stores
Jessicca Masters
THANK YOU so much for your super comprehensive and helpful blog. I’ve been to both The Mall and The Space but 1) I can never remember if The Mall still have Prada and 2) I’ve driven to The Space but have no idea how to get there via train/bus. Unfortunately, Prada do not have any website to help (you’d think they might want to put up at least one page to help us come give them money 🙂
You blog have given me the answer to both questions clearly and easily. THANK YOU!!
Liat
Hi
We think about visit the mall and the space
Do you any hotels that are 5-10 min from there