Where to buy leather goods, Rome or Florence?
 

Can someone tell me where should I go to buy leather goods in Italy? Should I buy it in Rome or Florence?

For designer bags, are the prices fixed and are the same throughout Italy or it may be cheaper depending on the city?

Why would you buy designer leather goods at this exchange rate? Insane, IMOP. when you could buy them, if you have to, here at home in the USA for so much less

Hi StCirq, this poster has another post re catching the bus from Florence to the outlet mall. Seems to be on a mission to purchase, no matter the advice she is given re it being a waste of precious time.

It depends if you are looking for name brand. I know there are several Furla stores in Rome. However, I would go to the Leather outlet in Florence. Not name brand but much better deals IMO.

caterinehass, is the Leather outlet you mentioned in Florence the Leather School in the San Croce Church?

The leather school in Santa Croce church has excellent quality and moderate prices. We never go to Florence without stopping there and know no place in Rome which is comoparaable.

Yes. That's the place.

There's something about buying leather in Florence...usually it's still a good deal compared to the US, no matter the exchange rate. I've bought a couple of jackets over the years at The Gold Market (next to Santa Croce church), and they were a good price and have held up beautifully. You can also find some good deals on designer leather gloves across the piazza from the Gold Market. I got some beautiful Fendi suede gloves for a real bargain there.
There are also some wonderful leather shops along the streets between Piazza della Signoria and Santa Croce. One in particular will custom make jackets in any color for you and ship it. I can't remember the name of the store, but it's lovely with a semi-circle entrance about 1/2 a block before you get to the Santa Croce piazza.
Any leather bought on your trip will always be a lovely souvenir. You'll also find styles and colors that won't show up at home for another 2 or 3 years!

I want to second cybertraveler's remark about the souvenir value of leather goods. I bought a red handbag in Venice two years ago that still makes me happy every time I look at it. Maybe I could have found a better bargain closer to home, but it wouldn't mean anything.

If anyone knows of any great leather markets in Rome or Naples, I'd like to hear about them for my next trip!

I am with those that believe Italy has some wonderful original leather-goods and I, too, have a red leather bag that gives me continued joy and use.

It came from Florence: Gioia Chiara is on Via Della Scala and the store is conviently located right across from the Antica Farmacia Santa Maria Novello. The store also offers a wide array of charming small leather totems (elephants, cats) to attach to kids' back-pack zippers or adult key rings that make great gifts.

A trip to both stores is a 'must do' for those who do like to shop for authentically Italian goods (which, despite the scolding tone of some of the poster's here, is not an indictable offense against traveling).

Hi, is the price in Florence cheaper than in Rome? Also, for the stores like "Furla," can we still bargain the price? or is it only in the no brand stores. Can we bargain the price in the leather school in Florence?

Stores like Furla and other designer brands have set prices. If you want to bargain go to San Lorenzo outdoor leather market in Florence. they have very nice leather goods, just make sure to avoid buying designer knock offs the huge fine if you get caught buying them is not worth it. they're the guys that have all of their goods organized on a blanket for an easy get away if the cops catch them :)

we usually stop in to designer stores when we're in Italy too and haven't noticed price difference between Florence and Rome. but we usually save things likes purses, wallets, gloves, and even leather jackets for the leather market in Florence and stick to shoes and clothing for shopping in Rome.

have fun on your trip :)

ttt

I got some great deals on Furla bags last August. They have boutique stores in San Gimignano and Venice that I visited, with wonderful sale prices. Otherwise, I don't know of any bargains. I can't buy Furla where I live, so I was very glad to get them there, and each one has a story.
Between Rome and Florence, I'd definitely say to save your money to buy in Florence. There are so many talented leather craftsmen there in addition to the Gold Market. Have a great trip!

The cost of "real" Italian Leather is much cheaper in Italy vice in the United States, just because of shipping cost and export taxes. Imagine this to ship a briefcase cost x amount of money in a package but gloves and belts cost less, in that same container because you can put more articles in the container. A really good shop to buy leather is in a seaside town of Gaeta which is south of Rome. The shop designs and makes its own leather goods, the shop owner purchases his leather from a distributor in the Florence area. The shop is called "La Cruella" it is found on Via Indipendenza, 26 04024 Gaeta Italy - the shops phone number is 39 0771466142 or you can email me at [email protected] if you are interested in knowing where the shop is or wanting high quality Leather goods at a fair price.

I live in Florence every year and the best place to buy leather is at the Markets i usually buy about three bags from the Markets which are right in the Heart near Duomo .I find it is also the best for my shoes, I guess i spend more time in Florence each year so know my way but also Milan i Like for looking for Boots but then again in go to the Shoe fair in Milan each year. Just remember if you buy more than one offer less than the asking price and have cash.

This place has very high quality beautiful leather.
Il Bisonte
Via del Parione, 31-33R
Firenze

Dear Xsndiax,
I would suggest Florence over Rome for all the reasons that most of the Fodor travelers mentioned. The leather is sublime and the styles are at the forefront of the fashion industry.
I have several leather items from Florence. Some date back to over 10 years ago, and they are still beautiful. But more importantly, I agree with most of my fellow shoppers regarding a special purchase. It is the experience and the indulgence that will always remind you of your trip to Florence.
You can purchase very lovely moderately priced gloves in the San Lorenzo Market. But for the finest quality, Madova is the best.
My recommendation for leather coats, jackets and skirts is NOI, and while it may not be inexpensive, the value and the quality is first rate.
NOI has 2 locations: Via della Terme and Via Porta Rossa. Both are convenient to Piazza della Signoria.
As for designer items, Florence is home to Ferragamo. And, of course, most of the high end houses have boutiques there.
But for a whirlwind shopping experience, nothing is like the Spanish Steps area of Via Condotti and its surrounding streets. Here you will be tempted by Gucci, Prada, Vuitton, Armani, Chanel, Fendi, Furla, and Ferragamo, and dozens of other well known "names". For fine leather gloves, check out Sermonetta in the Piazza. Their selection is astounding. For a 10 or 12 percent refund on purchases over $150.00, do not forget to request your VAT refund receipt, which you will be required to provide on your departure from Italy.
And I say "grazie" to all of the above recommendations for leather items. I will be in Italy in mid-May, and now I have other options for my indulgences.

I would buy at the markets in Florence if you know what you want and prepared to come back the next day to do the deal, make sure your set your price in your head that you want to pay before you start as these guys are very good at this. I go every year and last year we paid the price that i wanted but we purchased two jackets about $150aus dollars i have time to shop as i stay for about 6 weeks twice a year good luck

When people are referring to the "markets" we're talking about street vendors who have these carts?

I bought a belt from a street vendor for 10 Euro. Wasn't the most durable thing.

I bought some gifts like coin purses and jewelry cases at a store, which was full of leather good. Might have been Furla but prices weren't too high.