Buying Cavalli cheap in Italy. Part 4
Final installment. See earlier installments in KP's May 20, 21, 22 issues.
Short summary: My friend Yulia and I are cultural girls. She's an actress and model, and I write about all-things related to culture. Not too long ago we traveled around Italy buying trendy outfits. Now I'm heading back to Moscow with a suitcase chock full of clothes. After visiting Italy, I can definitely say that I'm never going to buy clothes again in Moscow. I can just imagine what the inveterate shopaholics are thinking now: "Poor little thing, she's just discovered America! And we've been buying clothes in Milan for ages." Well, everyone sooner or later has an epiphany. But I really regret that I didn't find out about Italy's outlets earlier. I could have bought clothes for the whole family much cheaper than in Moscow either in Genoa or Ferrara — Milan aside. I really love the bluish green dress I picked out for 8 euro. And Yulia is crazy about her chocolate lace top embroidered with beads that cost only 2.5 euro. We could attend nearly any event in these outfits. So guess what I did as soon as I got to Moscow? I ran around to all the stores to compare Moscow's and Italy's prices. I was shocked.
Advice for the novice shoppers If any of you dream to hear the two sweet words "sconti" (discount) and "saldi" (clearance), then don't make the same mistake we did. Time is of the essence in Italy. There are only two seasonal clearances — from Jan.7-March 1 for fall and winter wear and July 10-Aug. 31 for spring and summer clothes).
Outlets are a shopper's mecca. There's a 30-70% discount on everything. There are also discounts during seasonal clearances. It's best to get there by train. It's also cheaper, although the trip takes a minimum of three hours. A taxi is quicker, but costs 150 euro.
Stores We heard spectacular reviews about The Mall shopping center near Florence in Leccio — an hour's drive into the mountains. The Mall has Gucci, Pucci, Salvatore Ferragramo, Yamamoto, YSL, Burberry and other leading brand stores. Most importantly, though, Russian dandies haven't heard much about The Mall. It's still virgin territory. And there's a huge selection. However, outlets usually sell clothes from the last season, so if you want the latest trends then outlets aren't for you. But the newest collections in Milan's Fashion District will still be cheaper than Moscow's boutiques, and stores like ZARA, Sisley and H&M have more variety.
For those of you who aren't counterfeit-wary, check out the latest copies of brand collections at the Chinese markets outside Naples. Cavalli jeans will cost 30 euro and Versace suits — 20 euro. Services If you're not good at finding your way around, then feel free to hire a shopping guide for 200 euro per day. There are plenty of offers on the Internet. Russian women living in Italy make good money working the sector.
The Tax Free system (10-18%) is poorly developed in Italy. The service is only offered at expensive stores. If you want to take advantage of Tax Free, then you need to make a purchase over 130 euro (although it's better to ask the salesgirl first). Keep the check for Customs. The Customs officer will give you a stamp, and you'll get your money back at the Tax Free Cash Refund counter, which is located in the airport near the Duty Free. A sign reading Dogana will likely be hanging by the door. By the way... It's important to remember that imported goods face a 30% Customs tax in Russia, with 18% VAT. And if you're planning to import clothes from Italy in bulk, then you'll need to rent space that will cost you about 500,000 rubles per month on Moscow's outskirts — twice as much as in Italy. Specialist's opinion Svetlana Titova, Chief Editor of Rasprodaga.ru: "Everyone's trying to tap into Moscow's buying power." "There is a distinct difference between prices in Milan and Moscow. And that's okay. Moscow is one of the world's most expensive cities. Rent is expensive and so is transport, logistics and salaries... But when you look at the prices of expensive brands, marketing, branding, advertising and PR play a huge role in the end price — not logistics and transport."
Summary The trip cost 2,414 euro, or 89,318 rubles. We spent 1,200 euro, or 44,400 rubles on purchases. I bought enough for myself and my whole family for spring and summer. If I had bought the same clothes in Moscow, I would have spent 100,000 rubles. So basically, I brought an entire wardrobe back with me and saw Italy for less than half the price the clothes would have cost in Moscow.
See the final installment in the next issue of KP. Читать русскую версию. Leave comment >>
See the final installment in the next issue of KP.
Читать русскую версию.