Introduction to Florence

Birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is called “the Athens of the Middle Ages.” Noted for its culture, Renaissance art, architecture and monuments, the city is a wonderland of anachronism and eccentricity. Florence is also the birthplace of Italian fashion; in 1951, a parade was organized by the pioneer of Italian fashion Giovanni Battista Giorgini at Villa Torrigiani. The city boasts designers such as Emilio Pucci, Gucci, Roberto Cavalli and many others. Attracted by the elegance of the “Made in Italy” label, millions of tourists visit the city each year.

Demographics

The current population of Florence is 3.8 million, 90% of which are of Italian descent. The number of immigrants coming to the city is growing year by year, and 2% of the current population is Chinese. Immigrants from America, East Asia, Europe and North Africa make up the remaining 8%.

Top Five Shopping Districts

Via de’ Tornabuoni: The most famous and elegant street in Florence is the home of Salvatore Ferragamo’s first property and hosts many famous brands, such as Cartier, Emilio Pucci, Gucci, Hermes, Tiffany & Co and Versace, to name a few.

1. Mercato di San Lorenzo: Visiting the San Lorenzo market is a great way of combining sightseeing with shopping in Florence. The central indoor section offers an enticing selection of Italian and European food, including meats, fish, fruit and condiments. The outdoor stalls are a great place to find a variety of handicrafts such as leather goods, purses and pottery.
2. Via dei Calzaiuoli: This popular street is filled with a variety of stores, from high-end to everyday modern brands. Ultra-luxury is represented by retailers such as Chanel and the mid-market by department store Coin. On the corner of Piazza del Duomo is Poggi, which hosts a collection of some of the best examples of Italian craftsmanship. Via dei Calzaiuoli is a great place for one-stop shopping.
3. Via del Corso: On Via del Corso from Piazza della Repubblica, there is an astounding array of boutiques, representing both local and national brands that suit different budgets.
4. Via Santo Spirito: Located on the bank of the Arno River, Via Santo Spirito is populated by artisanal boutiques and galleries. Facing onto the Piazza Santo Spirito, there are numerous eateries, many of which have terraces or patios. Via Santo Spirito draws visitors for its vibrant nightlife.

Famous Retail Events

Pitti Immagine: Pitti Immagine is an annual series of fashion events that are very prestigious on the international scene: Pitti Immagine Bimbo, Pitti Immagine Filati, Pitti Immagine Fragrances and Pitti Immagine Uomo. Thousands of exhibitions, fashion shows and congresses are held by Italian and foreign designers and VIPs, whose exhibition is by invitation only.

Top Innovative Retailers

MIO Concept Store [caption id="attachment_97199" align="alignright" width="304"] Source: Mio-concept.com[/caption] Opened in 2011, MIO Concept Store is an extensive collection of innovative designs and eco-led products, plus street art, homewares and jewelry. The brand’s  slogan is  “Design inspired by the elegance of awareness.” Some items use new materials, while others are created with recycled objects or are up-cycled. Antje d’Almeida, the designer and the founder, has worked for many high-fashion brands such as Gucci and YSL. She believes that luxury retail can be achieved alongside social consciousness. Her passion to share her discoveries with clients means that she often collaborates with other artists. For example, the store partners with Clet, a Florence-based, French-born street artist who is famous for cheekily tweaking existing streets signs and turning them into art. Customers are able to purchase exclusive original pieces by Clet at MIO Concept Store. The retailer also has several new collaborations in the works with rising Florentine artists whom d’Almeida is eager to support. Location: Via della Spada 34r, Florence 50123. Luisa Via Roma [caption id="attachment_97200" align="alignright" width="301"] Source: www.facebook.com/luisaviaroma/[/caption] Found in Florence in the early 1930s, Luisa Via Roma is a retailer of luxury items, including women's, men's and children’s clothing, shoes and accessories. The brand’s website, LuisaViaRoma.com, attracts five million visitors per month and features a selection of established designers as well as young emerging talents such as Balenciaga, Gucci, Jacquemus, Valentino and more. Luisa Via Roma is a 100% privately owned family business, with the founder’s grandson, Andrea Panconesi, acting as CEO and his daughter, Annagreta Panconesi, holding the role of Creative Director. Location: Via Roma, 19/21r, Florence 50123. The Mall [caption id="attachment_97201" align="alignright" width="308"] Source: www.themall.it/en/[/caption] Located in the Tuscany hills, The Mall is a chic cluster of designer discount shops. It hosts many high-end brands, including Alexander McQueen, Burberry, Emporio Armani, Fendi, Ferragamo, Lanvin and Valentino. Clothing, shoes, handbags, watches and jewelry can be purchased at 30–50% off regular price. Location: Europa 8, Leccio Reggello, Florence 50066. Marie Antoinette  [caption id="attachment_97202" align="alignright" width="303"] Source: www.facebook.com/Marie.Antoinette.Florence[/caption] Marie Antoinette is located in a courtyard behind the Arno River. The small but well edited  store is famous for its collection of vintage clothing alongside contemporary designs, including shoes, purses and dresses from designers such as Bulgari, Louis Vuitton and Valentino. Location: Piazzetta Dei Del Bene 6/5, Florence 50123.   Aquaflor [caption id="attachment_97203" align="alignright" width="306"] Source: www.florenceparfum.com[/caption] Located in a historic Renaissance palace in the Santa Croce district is the factory and laboratory for Aquaflor perfumers. Inspired by artistic perfumery, Aquaflor’s collection comprises perfumes, colognes, moisturizing waters, room fragrances and candles. The brand’s line of cosmetics includes handmade soaps, body lotion and vegetable-based body wash. Aquaflor offers its visitors a series of experiences in the world of fragrances, such as guided tours of the laboratory and interactive workshops that combine traditional and creative perfumery. Customers can also consult on customized scents or shop from a selection of ready-made fragrances, tinctures, candles, soaps and colognes. Location: Borgo di Santa Croce, Florence 50122.   Scuola del Cuoio [caption id="attachment_97204" align="alignright" width="275"] Source: www.instagram.com/scuoladelcuoio/[/caption] Scuola del Cuoio is a leather-working atelier set in a monastic complex in the Santa Croce district. Founded after World War II by the Gori family it was operated in conjunction with several local aristocratic families to teach orphans a practical trade. Today, Scuola del Cuoio remains the largest laboratory of its type in Florence, where clients can witness the creation of leather goods with a centuries-old history. After four generations, the Gori family remains committed to the tradition of leather work and the production of quality items. Location: Scuola del Cuoio, Via San Giuseppe 5R, Florence 50122.   Mrs. Macis [caption id="attachment_97205" align="alignright" width="229"] Source: www.facebook.com/mrsmacis[/caption] Mrs. Macis is a clothing boutique with a colorful atmosphere. Designer Carla Macis sells handmade women’s clothings and accessories. Most of the clothes are created using modern and vintage textiles from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. Mrs. Macis also offers exact miniature versions of adult outfits for children.   Location: Borgo Pinti 38red, Florence 50121.   [caption id="attachment_97206" align="alignright" width="306"] Source: www.facebook.com/bjorkflorence[/caption] Bjork As its slogan declares, Bjork is Florence’s concept store for “Nice Things.” It offers a selection of emerging fashion brands, handmade jewelry, coffee table books, international publications, art prints and stationery supplies. The store contains contemporary brands for men and women from international designers and local labels. Location: Via dello Sprone 25r, Florence 50125.   Playground [caption id="attachment_97207" align="alignright" width="304"] Source: Source: www.playgroundshop.com/en[/caption] Playground is an Italian online retailer that offers luxury fashion, sportswear and causal fashion for men and women. The brand has two concept stores—one in Florence and another in Prato—as well as an online platform. Located on a residential corner of Via Don Giovanni Minzoni, the Florence concept store is known for its design simplicity, with wood-paneled walls, concrete floors and high ceilings. Playground offers a range of brands, such as Aspesi, Iro, Jil Sander and L'Autre Chose. Location: Viale Don Giovanni Minzoni 31/A, Florence 50129.   Flow Run [caption id="attachment_97208" align="alignright" width="275"] Source: www.facebook.com/flowrunfirenze/[/caption] Opened in 2016, Flow Run is a sneakers and accessories store in Florence. Located on Piazza Strozzi, the concept store offers products from famous international brands such as Adidas, Diadora and Nike, as well as other avant-garde brands in the sport footwear industry. Flow Run also has both a contemporary and a classic aesthetic in its store, and the colored leather armchairs and wooden furniture give a vintage touch. The sneakers are displayed inside squared sections of the wall, as if forming part of an exhibition. Location: Piazza degli Strozzi 16, Florence 50123.   Must-See Street: Via del Parione Via del Parione is one of the oldest streets of Florence and is special in its authentic Renaissance style. The street is fêted for its artisanal stores as well as its mix of modern boutiques selling unique gifts and souvenirs.

1. John Ashfield: Inspired by a natural and balanced style of life, John Ashfield offers handmade clothes that are produced in Ireland and Scotland, using ancient techniques of workmanship—such as using old looms.
2. Letizia Fiorini: This puppet store is run by artist Letizia Fiorini. All of the puppets are handmade using local fabrics.
3. Alberto Cozzi: The store sells handmade books, paper, leather-bound journals, greeting cards and stationery. Artists create the items in the back of the store, on view to visitors (printing the paper, sewing the bindings).
4. Il Bisonte: Il Bisonte is a leather bags and fashion accessories shop that has a vast collection of 2000 paintings, statues, prints, precious objects and toys from all over the world.
5. Malìparmi: The fun, young, boutique store is famous for its contemporary selection of women’s clothing, bags, shoes and accessories.