Rome--Stores Open Saturday
 

We are arriving in Rome on a Saturday next month, and I was planning on getting some lunch, then walking around, seeing some sights, looking at the stores. Are the stores in the Spanish Steps area mostly open on Saturday afternoon?
Thanks.

Here is what the Fodors Destination Guide for Rome says:

Shops are generally open from 9 or 9:30 to early afternoon and from 3:30 or 4 to 7 or 7:30 -- or 8 in summer. There's a tendency for shops in central districts to stay open all day, and hours are becoming more flexible throughout the city. Remember that although department stores are open Sundays, many stores are not, though this is changing, too, especially in the city center. With the exception of food stores, most stores also close on Monday morning from September to mid-June and Saturday afternoon from mid-June through August.

Thanks, I saw that, but I've also seen comments that conflict with that, and it doesn't mention Saturdays specifically, so I was wondering if anyone had any information from personal knowledge.

Have you read the last sentence?

Yeah, I see that. I saw some comments earlier today about places not really taking those breaks anymore, but saw comments in a guide book about some areas almost shutting down after lunch time. So, was really just looking for some specific info on the Spanish Steps/Via Condotti area. Thanks for the help.

Roma is a big city, the shops are open on Saturday afternoons. Fewer and fewer places are closing down for extended periods of time following the lunch hours, now it is easy to find places open from 3 pm onward til about 7 or 8 pm. I don't think there will be a problem. Now if you were in a smaller Italian town, it might be a different story...........

Hi
I think you've gotten the best info there is. Most shops will be open Sat afternoon, some only after 3pm or 3:30 or so. The Spanish Steps area is very central for shopping as you know, so most will be open, but there's no telling about an individual shop here and there.

Thanks all. My wife will be very happy that she'll be able to get right into the shopping scene!