"The Mall" outside of Florence worth going for couple hours?
 

We'll be in Florence (second time - first time was a few years ago) in mid/late September. Has anyone gone to "The Mall" (outlet center outside of Florence) lately? It is worth it? How big a discount are we generally looking at?

I love to shop and the brands listed on its website look tempting. I'm contemplating convincing the husband to go for a few hours and am thinking of catching the regular bus/springing for the 25 Euro tour bus.

Thanks.

Hello Soarkster, various Italian friends in Florence have often told me that they don't find such "good buys" at the outlet but why not try it yourself and see what you think about it. I live within walking distance from a well known outlet and I don't care for it all that much but people travel from all over to visit it including on some tour busses and they seem to be quite pleased with their visit. A Fodorite on the US Forum just visited our outlet stores the other day and was pleased with her purchases so I do think that one has to make their own decision. Anyway, if you go do enjoy and hopefully you will have fun and find some good bargains.

We were aware and curious about it for several years--stumbled upon it 1 1/2 yr ago. We weren't impressed and felt sorry for the busloads of tourists stuck there. Put us in the category of "Don't waste your time."

Hi Sparkster,

I live in Florence and shop ... ehrm ... regularly. :) I have been to The Mall once and will probably never go back. I didn't find the prices to be worth the hassle of getting there (and I drove myself!). I would, however, recommend going to the outlet mall at Barberino di Mugello. MUCH bigger, beautifully laid out and you will actually find some decent bargains.

http://www.mcarthurglen.it/barberino...me.php?lang=en

There is also the outlet mall at Valdichiana which is nice, but that may be farther than you were looking to travel for a shopping trip.

http://www.valdichianaoutlet.it/index.php/vov_en

The Barberino di Mugello outlet mall looks wonderful, violoncellista!

Sparkster, here is their website with the information regarding the daily shuttles from Florence which you might to to take a look at.

http://www.mcarthurglen.it/barberino...298e00d45f702b

LI - it really is gorgeous. The photographs on the website don't do it justice (it's quite big and VERY charming). It's a great place to walk and shop at leisure. It would be worth the trip just to see that area north of Florence in my opinion. It's so green and lush and beautiful.

Plus, you don't pay 4€ for an espresso as you would at The Mall ...

Thanks for everyone's suggestions. I think we might have to check out Barberino di Mugello!

I was at the Mall two years ago and enjoyed it.(once we found it that is, DH and I were driving from Greve and got horribly lost...but managed to find the D&G outlet along the way)
I bought a pair of shoes and a wallet at Tod's and a scarf at Gucci, they were a much better price than I would have paid at home. Would have spent more time but DH was parked with a newspaper and a coffee and hates shopping so I was trying to spare him too much torture.

If you only have time for one outlet mall you should check the list of brands and see which appeal to you most.
I liked the Mall as all the shops open to the outdoors rather than you walking forever in a huge indoor space.