Beautiful Italian shopping experience

Beautiful Italian shopping experience

What if someone said you can have your cake and eat it, too? Italophiles and budget-conscious shopaholics alike can have it all now.

Five designer outlets cuddled close to vibrant Italian tourist destinations are racking up fashionista traffic wooing those searching for great deals, diverse brands, deep price cuts, and a scintillating experience all combined. A chance to fit beauty in a bag, tickle the taste buds, and satisfy cultural cravings all in the same day. Twenty-five venues across Europe and Canada have been crafted by multinational market-leader for designer outlets, McArthurGlen. All of them embrace a high-street feel while waltzing guests through a complete package of outstanding services. Many travelers wind through France towards Normandy’s rugged, northern coast.

Some are drawn by the history of battles and landings, and others to savor mussels and oysters. The Paris-Giverny Outlet, on the road to the cities and villages of Normandy is approximately 1.5 hours from the country’s capital Paris. Why not stop and taste the local fares while picking up the perfect garb for a fresh look at the final destination And if Spain is in the agenda, McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Málaga has connections from the Málaga Airport with an on-site train that is one stop to the center (3 minutes) or a 10-minute drive from Mlaga a vibrant destination for art and culture with more than 30 museums and art galleries scattered across the city. Easily accessible by road and public transportation from Málaga City center (20 minutes) and the crystal blue waters of the coastal resort Marbella (35 minutes).

Skipping east across the continent to Vienna, Mozart’s city of choice, McArthurGlen Pandorf offers up extra special treats. After a perfect shopping day including stores like KARL Lagerfeld, Guess, Armani or Puma, take a spin on the Ferris wheel and enjoy the view from lofty heights.

But back to where shoppers sing that “Italians do it Better!.” Nuzzled up to Bell’Italia’s main cultural destinations, the front doors of the complexes are reliably accessible, either with public transportation, or often direct shuttle buses. Access from the city of choice is quick and efficient, charioting visitors straight to the entrance where the magic begins. Over 300 brands from local and international labels run the gamut of taste and preferences, leaving no shopper behind. Coveted labels, exciting leisure and entertainment initiatives, beautifully crafted spaces, and a decisive customer focus. No need to wait for the end-of-season sales.

Discounted outlet prices of up to 70% are year-round. And neither are seasonal sales left behind they ustbring even more surprises to the prices. And for on-the-go shoppers catching a flight back home, a tax-free refund could make that extra cappuccino taste like a special treat for free.

To refuel and marvel over acquired treasures, buzzing caffes, restaurants and culinary treats are part of every outlet destination. Dining is part of the Italian experience after all, vero? From north to south, east to west of Italy’s boot, McArthurGlen has spun some of the most stunning options for a luxurious shopping adventure. Have a taste of the two northern-most centers and a feel for where they are. Designer Outlet Serravalle has over 230 stores. Only an hour from the design-capital city of Milan, and 45 minutes from the sweeping port city of Genoa, Serravalle is the largest designer outlet in Europe. Beautiful Piemonte, Lombardia and Liguria all have something for every member of the family. Wine tours among the hills where the Gavi wine is produced, biking, hiking, golfing, and food tours that tantalize the senses … a veritable epicurean paradise and visually delicious.

The style of the Monferrato outlet was conceived as a natural extension of Ligurian architecture, with fountains and sculptures by contemporary artists. The selection of brands includes Italian brands like Armani, Furla, Diesel, Emilio Pucci, Fabiana Filippi, Off-White, Ermenegildo Zegna, Canali and many more.

Designer Outlet Noventa di Piave hosts over 150 stores. Easily accessed from the iconic city of Venice ust 5 minutes away. While Venice resonates as the regional go-to, cities like Treviso (30 minutes away), the towns of Abano Terme and Montegrotto Terme (60 minutes away) are regional jewels. Palladian villas grace the shores of the Brenta River, carefully curated museums and local delectable meals are treasures to be discovered. As a bonus, the sublime beaches of the Adriatic Coast are just 40 minutes away. The Noventa di Piave Outlet suggestively wraps it all in with commissioned mosaics and frescoes inspired by Venetian palaces that grace the center.

The very essence of Veneto flows throughout. The Noventa di Piave Outlet offers the best luxury labels among international and Italian lifestyle brands, and those include designers from Veneto, like Fendi, Valentino, Bottega Veneta, Isaia, and others. All McArthurGlen outlets ensure that the guests feel the best. Services like free wi-fi, international payment options (with major credit cards), possible tax refunds, money exchange offices, and for those on their own wheels, parking and electric car charging stations.

The sum total is beyond the expectations. Dreaming of sipping a frothy cappuccino in a Valentino gown or Franchi pantsuit? The outlets are there to make the magic happen. Rest assured, the magia is real and waiting.

Kate Carlisle