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January 23, 2006

Outlet shopping in a pastel fantasyland

In Rome and looking for some bargains on brand-name clothing items? I can help.

I have recently discovered the outlets -- not an uncommon phenomenon in the USA, but my discovery of them a mere half-hour outside the city has definitely made shopping with the euro a little less intimidating.

Directions: From Rome, get on the GRA (the highway that runs the perimeter of the city) and take the exit for Napoli. About 15 minutes later take the exit called Valmontone. Follow the signs for the Fashion District and it will be hard to miss. Bring a few euro for tolls.

What I like most about the outlets is that the shopping area has an almost theme-park color scheme: Bright blues, yellows and pinks were used on the outsides of the buildings. At the entrance, flags fly, enticing customers with the word saldi (sale) to enter the great arches.

The best times to go are January and September, when prices drop as retailers make space for the new season's items.

Posted by Kelsea  at 3:27 PM | Permalink

Comments

Posted by: JKW at January 26, 2006 3:40 PM