Factory outlets by Stylebible.com – By Amanda Zuydervelt

 

 

If you have a penchant for designer clothing but shudder as soon as you see the price tag, a trip to a factory outlet will be ideal for you. Several outlets can be found in the UK, but the more professional shopper should head for Florence where there are lots of big name designers to choose from. What could be better than lapping up some glitzy Italian culture, AND hunting for must-have designer bargains at the same time? From Gucci, YSL and Prada, to Fendi and Miu Miu – there are prized finds to be had. The only tricky bit is finding the outlets and deciding what to buy.

If you’re heading for Florence, an array of outlets can be found either a short bus or car journey away from the city, so invest in a map – you don’t want o waste valuable shopping time getting lost. And be warned, set off early to avoid the queues – these places are more than popular. But most importantly, ensure you’ve got a credit card with lots of spending power.

Here is our round up of the best on offer.

The Mall
Via Europa
8 50060 Leccio Reggello
Florence
Tel: +39 055 8657775  

Often referred to as the Gucci outlet (as this is the largest store in the complex), The Mall is also home to Yves Saint Laurent, Armani, Sergio Rossi and Bottega Veneta stores. This bargain hunting haven is popular with tourists, so arrive early as it’s likely that you’ll have to queue.

What’s the damage? Bond Street price tags are slashed. Gucci bags, usually £320, are a mere snip at £80. I bagged myself a pair of Gucci high heels for £40 (well three pairs actually) and a jacket for £120, plus a £1800 Bottega Veneta coat for £350. It’s also good for presents – Gucci ties can be found for £35 and jewellery from around £40. Trousers suits are a prized investment but a rare breed. The Mall is open all day from Monday to Saturday and on a Sunday afternoon.  Opening times depend on the season, so ring in advance.

 

How to find it:
The Mall is about half an hour out of Florence. To get there take the A1 motorway towards Florence and take the exit marked Incisa. Stay on your right towards Pontassieve until you reach Leccio. Soon after passing the centre of Leccio, The Mall will be on the left hand side. Alternatively take the train from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station to Incisa station and continue by taxi (about 10 minutes) to Leccio.  There is also a daily shuttle bus service from Florence to and from The Mall which costs around €25. You can book a seat by calling +39 005 865 7775. Otherwise a cab is about £35.

Prada and Miu Mui
I Pellettieri d’Italia,
Località Levanella SS.69 – 52025
Montevarchi (AR)
Tel: +39 055 91 911

Rolling up at the Prada outlet store, you may feel as though you’re at the deli counter of your local Waitrose. Don’t fear. Just take a numbered ticket from the machine and wait while you ponder over which Prada and Miu Miu bargains you hope to bag, or perhaps you’ll find something from the Helmut Lang or Jil Sander ranges.

Items are discounted by 30% but even at ‘outlet prices’, some still seem incredibly pricey. Expect to pay about £130 for Miu Miu shoes, £200 upwards for the famous Prada nylon bags and around £500 for a Prada dress. I managed to find a Miu Miu bag for £60, but even so, I left feeling disappointed. Items I did like were either way out of my price range, small enough to fit a Barbie doll, or large enough to fit me and the fashion editor (at the same time). It’s open from 9.30am to 7.30pm from Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 8pm on Sundays.  

How to find it:
 
It’s about an hour out of Florence (about two for us but we did get a touch lost). Leave Florence on the A1. Exit at Valdarno and then continue on the SS69 towards Arezzo.  Go through Montevarchi and past the petrol station on the far side of the village of Località Levanella.  You then need to follow the signs for I Pellettieri d’Italia which is in an industrial zone on your left.  Once inside you will find it at the back of the main factory complex. Be warned though, it’s not easy to find. You need your wits about you because it’s housed in an off the road white warehouse. Hope you like offroading.


Fendi
Via Pian Dell’Isola 66/33 – Rignano Sull’Arno
Tel: +39 055 834 981

Definitely a Stylebible favourite, the Fendi outlet comes up trumps. Not a bad word can be said. Like Prada, the Fendi outlet is located on another industrial estate, but you don’t have to take a numbered ticket at the ‘Waitrose deli counter’ this time. We strolled straight in. Its beautiful huge store is well stocked with bargains, offering everything from handbags and shoes right through to dresses and suits.  The bags are fantastically priced – I managed to pick one up that was marked down from £970, to £150.  There is at least 20% off with most items slashed by a further 40% as well. It makes for a wonderful shopping experience – lots of sizes, great choice and fantastic prices.  Open 10am until 7pm Monday to Friday, and from 3pm until 7pm on Sundays. So, when are we going back girls?

How to find it:
Leave Florence on the A1. Exit at Valdarno and then continue on the SS69.  Before you get to the Mall you will see signs for Fendi where you can fork off left.  It’s quite a long windy drive but it’s pretty well signposted.

Dolce and Gabbana
Santa Maddalena 49,
Plan dell Isola, Incisa in Val d’Arno
Tel: +39 055 83311

The Dolce and Gabbana outlet is housed in a beautiful white building that stands on its own, but even so, it can be hard to spot. The store was peaceful and quiet when we visited – certainly a welcome contrast to the Mall.  The shop assistants are helpful and friendly, and there is plenty of stock to choose from.  I managed to lay my hands on a vintage Dolce and Gabbana suede bag at a whopping great discount.  I have since seen it listed as a collectors’ item and is now worth more than its original £600 price tag.  I also snapped up two jumpers and a polo neck, having not paid any more than £65 for each of them. As a rule of thumb, you can expect to receive a 60% discount.  You can also find jackets from £350 and jeans from £175.

How to find it:
It’s around a 30 minute drive out of Florence on the A1. Exit at Valdarno and then continue on the SS69.  Before you get to the Mall you will see signs for Fendi where you can fork off to the left. Turn left at the fork and follow signs for the Fendi outlet until you reach the fork in the road, where you will then see Dolce and Gabbana on the corner.  It is very badly signposted so keep your eyes peeled for a stately white building that has a fence around it.

Best of British factory outlets

If Florence feels a bit far, here are out top five Factory Outlets in the UK

1.       Burberry Factory Outlet
Ynyswen Road, Treorchy, Rhondda, Mid Glamorgan, Wales CF42 6EF
Tel: 01443 772020
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 9am-4pm
Transport: Train station Ynyswen

2.       Joseph Clearance Shop
44 Whitely Village, Whiteley, Fareham, Hampshire, PO15 7LG
Tel: 01489 580082
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 10-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm
Public Transport: Train station Swanwick

3.       Mulberry Factory Shop
Old School House, Kilver Street, Shepton, Mallet, Somerset, BA4 5NF
Tel: 01749 340583
Opening Hours: Mon– Sat 10am-6pm, Sun & Bank Holidays 11am-5pm
Transport: Train station, Caftle Cary

4.       Nicole Farhi Factory Shop
3 Hancock Road, Bromley-by-Bow, London E3 3DA
Tel: 020 73997125
Opening hours: Tuesday, Wed, Sat, 10am-3pm, Thurs, Fri 10am-5.30pm
Transport – Tube, Bromley-by-Bow

5.       Paul Smith Factory Shop
23 Avery Row, London W1X 9BH
Tel: 020 74931287
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 10.30am-6.30pm Sun 1pm-5pm
Transport: Tube, Bond Street 

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