It could be because of the recession, or maybe because they satisfy the desire for designer shopping while at the same time offering bargains, or because they represent one of the many aspects of Italian fashion, the fact remains that factory outlets are a growing trend, attracting many visitors – locals and tourists alike – to theses paradises for shoppers.

This success involves both the direct factory outlets that can be found, sometimes with difficulty, among industrial warehouses, and those in organized shopping malls, which offer shuttle bus services from Florence.

The Mall, in Leccio near Reggello, is well know even among foreign visitors: there you will find Gucci, Tod’s, Armani and other designer brands.

Dolce and Gabbana can be found at Incisa Valdarno, while Prada has its outlet in Montevarchi, just outside the province of Florence.

And these are only the ones to the south of Florence. In the industrial area between Florence and Prato there are Malo, specialized in cashmere, Conte of Florence, selling classic and sports clothing, the trendy brand of Roberto Cavalli and the knitwear of BP studio.

Then, of course, there is the favourite shopping mall of the Florentines, Barberino Designer Outlet, located near the “Barberino di Mugello” exit off the A1 motorway.

Below you will find an almost complete list of outlets in and around Florence.

List of designer outlets   near Florence.