Leisure: Fashion Outlet Shopping
Apart from the wonderful street markets that you find all over the region, another big attraction for fashionistas visiting Le Marche has to be the great opportunity to acquire up-to-the-minute Italian fashionitems at real bargain prices.
Shopping outlets are scattered all over the hills of this wonderful region. Artisans, small, family run factories and big multinationals sit alongside one another producing fashions for designers such as Prada, Armani and Tods. Most of these have a Le Marche designer outlet shop where you can pick up fashions at a discount.
The major claim to fashion fame in Le Marche is leather goods. Venture into the hills and you may meet an artisan who still does piecework, handstitching shoes for one of the major Italian shoe and handbag designers. Nearly 80% of domestic production of footwear is based in the southern provinces of Fermo and Macerata. The region has in fact the highest concentration of shoe manufactures in the world. The factories and outlets gravitate around six municipalities including Fermo, Civitanova, Monte San Giusto, Porto Sant ‘Elpidio, Sant ’Elpidio a Mare, Montegranaro and Monte Urano.
You are not only restricted to clothing and shoes: you can also find cutting edge producers of stylish household goods and kitchenware.
Here's an overview of some popular fashion outlets in Le Marche:
The Mall San Benedetto del Tronto (AP): This fashion District is one of the region's well-known shopping destinations, offering a variety of fashion brands at discounted prices. You can find clothing, shoes, and accessories from both Italian and international designers. This large, enclosed outlet centre contains over 150 shops dedicated primarily to clothing, shoes, and accessories. Brands include Geox, Aldo, Levi's, Tommy Hilfiger, and Pinko.
Prada Factory Outlet, Monte Urano (FE): Le Marche is home to Prada, one of the world's most famous luxury fashion brands. The Prada Factory Outlet in Monte Urano offers significant discounts on Prada items, including clothing, handbags, and shoes.
Tod's Factory Outlet, Casette d'Ete (FE): Tod's is another renowned Italian brand known for its high-quality leather goods, especially shoes. The Tod's Factory Outlet in Casette d'Ete is a great place to find discounted Tod's products.
Hogan Factory Outlet, Macerata (MC): Hogan, a subsidiary of Tod's Group, specializes in luxury sneakers and casual footwear. The Hogan Factory Outlet in Macerata offers a selection of Hogan shoes at reduced prices.
Vitale Barberis Canonico Outlet, Fossa (AP): If you're looking for fine Italian fabrics for tailored suits and clothing, the Vitale Barberis Canonico Outlet in Fossa offers an excellent selection of textiles at discounted prices.
Il Gufo Factory Outlet, Sant'Elpidio a Mare (FE): For children's fashion, Il Gufo is a notable Italian brand. The Il Gufo Factory Outlet in Sant'Elpidio a Mare provides discounts on their charming children's clothing.
Giorgio Santamaria Outlet, Civitanova Marche (MC): Giorgio Santamaria offers a wide range of Italian and international fashion brands at outlet prices. It's a one-stop shop for various fashion items.
Blu Nautilus Outlet, Civitanova Marche (MC): This outlet offers a mix of fashion and home goods. You can find a range of clothing, footwear, and accessories.
Fashion District (San Benedetto del Tronto) (AP): Located along the southern part of Le Marche's Adriatic coastline, this large, enclosed outlet centre contains over 150 shops dedicated primarily to clothing, shoes, and accessories. Brands include Geox, Aldo, Levi's, Tommy Hilfiger, and Pinko. There is a footbridge connecting the two halves of the oval-shaped complex.
Loriblu Factory Outlet, Porto Sant'Elpidio (FE): Loriblu is a famous Italian shoe brand known for its elegant and stylish footwear. The Loriblu Factory Outlet in Porto Sant'Elpidio allows you to purchase their shoes at a fraction of the regular cost.
Bontoni Factory Outlet, Montegranaro (FE): Bontoni is a luxury shoe brand recognized for its exquisite craftsmanship. The Bontoni Factory Outlet in Montegranaro is a hidden gem for those seeking high-end men's shoes.
Via dell ‘Industria Outlet (Adriatic Coast) (MC): This large outlet centre located near the coastal town of Civitanova Marche (MC) features over 120 shops selling discounted designer brands like Prada, Gucci, Armani, and Max Mara at 30-70% off retail prices. Brands are displayed in attractive storefronts and the architecture aims to recreate a luxury shopping village. There are also cafes and restaurants.
Space Outlet (Montecosaro) (MC): Situated just inland from the Adriatic coast, this outlet has 85 shops offering clothing, accessories, housewares, and sporting goods at discounted prices. Popular brands include Diesel, Replay, Adidas, Nike, and Calvin Klein. The stores are built around a village square layout with fountains and benches.
Naïma Retail Park (Macerata) (MC): On the main road heading inland from the coast, this outlet has over 60 stores with discounted clothing, accessories, perfumes, and housewares. Brand highlights include Pinko, Geox, Calvin Klein, and Trussardi. The architecture features a modern retail park setup. There are also dining options.
Premier Outlet (Macerata): Found just outside the city of Macerata, this outlet contains 85 stores selling discounted fashion brands up to 70% off. Brands include Liu Jo, Patrizia Pepe, Pinko, and Energie. The centre has an open-air design with covered walkways connecting the shops.