My Italian Link - Issue #09 My Italian Link Issue #09 | Page 66

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LUXURY OUTLET MALLS
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More like fashion villages, Italian outlet malls offer luxury brands at up to 70% discount!
It’s a whole other way to shop. Here’s how they work:
WHAT’S AN OUTLET MALL?
Back in the 70’s in the USA, several brands decided
to locate their factory shops on the same premises
and to share some common services such as par-
king spaces. The trend spread quickly all over the
world. In Italy, these mall complexes are built as
replicas of traditional, charming villages, and the
provide an excellent level of service. The fashion
items they sell are in excellent condition, but sold at
discounted prices as they often belong to the pre-
vious season.
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WHICH BRANDS WILL I FIND?
Armani, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Ermenegildo Zegna,
Gucci, Michael Kors! You name it, you can find it!
Outlet malls include international brands, but you’ll
find more than your fair share of incredible luxury
Italian brands, too. Not to mention restaurants and
entertainment centres.
THE PERFECT SERVE
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Fill a wine glass with ice.
WHERE DO I GO?
There are quite a few outlets all over Italy. It’s a good
idea to do a little research on the area you’re travel-
ling to. In general, outlet malls can be found just
outside the cities, where there’s enough space to
build these sprawling fashion villages. They’re also
easily accessible by car and public transportation.
Combine Pro-Spritz and
Aperol in equal parts (50/50).
Add a splash of soda.
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Garnish with an orange slice.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Given their success and popularity, most public trans-
port services are now offering direct lines and shop-
ping tours from major cities to the malls. Convenient,
comfortable and all at a fraction of the price!
Share your Italian moments, and tag us on @aperolspritzsa and use
#AperolSpritz #LiveLife #DrinkItalian
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THE BIGGEST OUTLET MALLS IN ITALY
If you’re looking for the most satisfying and far-rea-
ching range, head to one of the following: McArthur-
Glen Designer Outlets, who have five venues outside
of Milan, Florence, Venice, Rome and Naples, with
over a hundred stores each. Or you could try Fidenza
Village, halfway between Milan and Bologna in
Fidenza, which also offer a limousine service!
www.mcarthurglen.com
www.fidenzavillage.com
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OUR TOP TIP:
There are sale seasons for outlet malls!
That means the prices are slashed even further!
Visit in July and January for the best possible deals.
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*Source: IWSR Database 2014