Romans concur with the
Parisians that it is better to be chic than shocking. Consequently,
Rome’s shops are full of expensive and almost identical, fine
clothes, leathers, shoes and bags. In winter, real fur is still
de rigeur.
Smart designer shops, where the sales assistants are at their snootiest
and the price tags discreetly absent, are concentrated in the network
of streets spanning out from the Spanish Steps.
Of these, Via Condotti has most of the big names
which include, Gucci, number 8, Max Mara,
number 17-19A, Valentino, number 16, Louis
Vuitton, number 15, Salvatore Ferragamo,
numbers 65 and 73, and Giorgio Armani, number 77.
Bulgari, number 10, displays glitteringly expensive
watches, while Damiani, number 84, stocks alarmingly
costly jewellery, worn by Jennifer Aniston in recent publicity campaigns.
Nearby Dolce e Gabbana, Piazza di Spagna 82/3,
offers slightly more entertaining but equally expensive gear. Fendi
has a cluster of boutiques along Via Borgognona, numbers 36-39,
with a wide range of furs, shoes, bags and their ready-to-wear collection.
Other big names located here include Gianni Versace,
number 25, Moschino, number 32A, Gianfranco
Ferré, number 6, and Laura Biagiotti,
number 44. In the same area, the recently-opened TAD conceptstore,
Via Babuino 155A, which specialises in ‘ethnic-chic’,
with departments ranging from furniture to flowers and clothing
to music. There is also a hairdressers and a café. On neighbouring
Via Frattina, number 23, the glorious Pineider
stocks upmarket stationery and desk equipment.
Less expensive buys are to be found in the high-street shops which
line the Via del Corso, Via del Tritone, Via Nazionale and Via Cola
di Rienzo. Alternatively, bargains are snapped up in the January
and July sales.
The antiques quarters are located along Via Margutta, Via del Babuino,
Via Giulia, Via dei Banchi Vecchi and Via de’ Coronari (the
pedestrian street organises fairs in May and in October when its
stores are open late). Bric-a-brac and retro clothes are on offer
at the increasingly popular flea markets, the best being Via Sannio
(Monday to Saturday, 0730 hrs-1300 hrs) and Porta Portese (opening
hours Sunday 0730-1300)
Although there are supermarkets and shopping malls in Rome which
includes the 100-shop Centro Commerciale Cinecittà
Due, Viale Palmiro Togliatti 2, Tuscolana, the Roman shopping
style is to visit the local fruit and vegetable markets (Monday
to Saturday, 0700 hrs-1300 hrs) and to dip in and out of delicatessens.
Luxury goods to take home may include assorted vinegar, truffles
and olive oil. Castroni, Via Cola di Rienzo 196, sells the culinary
riches from Italy’s regions and comforting imports from around
the world (including baked beans). The well-established Trimani,
Via Goito 20, was founded in 1821 and stocks an excellent selection
of Italian wines.
Smaller shops often close for lunch (1300 hrs-1630 hrs). Larger
stores tend to stay open all day (0900 hrs-1930 hrs). Opening times
can be confusing, and many food shops closed on Thursday afternoon
(in the winter) and other shops not opening until the afternoon
on Monday. Summer brings later opening hours (until 2000 hrs) but
also Saturday afternoon closing and complete closure for at least
a fortnight in August.
Value-added tax (IVA) is 20 per cent on clothing and luxury goods.
Foreign tourists from non-EU countries can claim a tax refund, provided
they spend at least €155 at the same shop on the same day.
Those who are eligible should ask the shop assistant for a receipt
(with a description of the articles purchased) and a ‘tax-free
cheque’. Upon departure from the EU (no later than 90 days
after the date of purchase), these should be presented to customs.
Global Refund
can provide more information. |
