Valdichiana Outlet Village in Italy. | Photo by Francesco Losenno via 123RF ()
Shopping in Europe is every fashionista’s dream. From designer label steals to bargain buys, the European shopping villages are full of treasures at discounted prices. If you’re a shopping enthusiast, nothing makes your heart beat faster than a sign that says “Sale!” Imagine inhaling the fresh scent of leather or feeling luxurious fabrics that glide across your skin as you sip your latte and shop until you drop. And then, suddenly, an item catches your eye; the thing for which you have been endlessly searching! It’s the thrill of finding the last item in your size for 70% off or locating the perfect gift without breaking the bank. Regardless of what you are after, spend an exhilarating day looking for deals at any one of these European shopping villages.
Bicester Village, England
Located just an hour outside of London, this village boasts 160-plus boutiques. With discounts up to 60 percent off, you’re sure to leave here with something extraordinarily stylish. Boutiques include Belstaff, Mulberry, Sweaty Betty, The White Company, The Cosmetics Company Store and more. Savings are already great, but you can also get tax free shopping prices for non-EU residents. This particular location allows you to claim your taxes for cash right at the village with a VAT refund form (or at the airport). Other customer services include hands-free shopping, which allows you to leave all of your purchases at the counter and collect them all at the end of your visit, eliminating lugging all of your purchases from store to store. You can also get a personal shopper, utilize luggage drop, valet parking, and even home delivery. If you’re feeling famished after all that shopping, grab a snack at Creperie Angelie and keep moving!
Ingolstadt Village, Germany
Located in the heart of Bavaria and designed with 19th-century industrial architecture, this village is home to over 130 boutiques. Their commitment to going above and beyond includes customer services like personal shoppers and hands-free shopping. Here you’ll find boutiques like Polo Ralph Lauren, Asics, Prada, Superdry and more. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, grab some Bavarian street food from a local vendor or coffee from Coffee Fellows. Satisfy your sweet tooth at the Lindt Cafe or hit Samui Thai for a light lunch. Whether you’re searching for clothes, perfume, jewelry, watches or shoes, you’re sure to walk away happy with your purchases.
Kildare Village, Ireland
This lovely village is located in the heart of Ireland’s horse racing country, less than an hour from Dublin. Over 100 boutiques are modeled to resemble the charm of the region’s horse stables. If you really want to get a feel for the area, take the village’s complimentary shuttle service to the nearby Irish National Stud & Gardens. Some of Ireland’s best-thoroughbred studs are housed here, as well as stunning outdoor gardens and a horse museum. Horses aside, the shopping village offers savings up to 60 percent. Boutiques like Anya Hindmarch, Brooks Brothers, Cath Kidston, Church’s, Coach, DKNY, Furla, Hugo Boss, Juicy Couture, Pandora and Wolford can all be found here. Once you’ve shopped to your heart’s content, enjoy a sit-down dinner at Alchemy Juice Co., which serves up natural, unprocessed whole foods.
Valdichiana Outlet Village, Italy
The terracotta-hued storefronts of this village can be found in sunny Tuscany. Of course, this location showcases Italian designers, but you can also find brands like Adidas, Nike, Samsonite and more. With over 140 shops and savings up to 70 percent off, you’ll likely walk away with a few new items! Additional customer services here include a beauty center, playground, library and several food courts where you can find local wine. Since you’re in Italy, you can’t leave without some tasty gelato for a snack. Call it a reward for all the money you saved!
Las Rozas Village, Spain
Just 30 minutes from Madrid, this village has over 100 boutiques. The stunning Neoclassical storefronts create the perfect backdrop while you stroll through the elegant pedestrian boulevards. Michael Kors, Longines, Brooks Brothers and Burberry are just a few of the brands featured here. Customer services include personal shoppers. Indulge in some serious retail therapy with savings up to 60 percent off.
La Vallee Village, France
Who doesn’t dream of shopping like a royal near Paris? Just 40 minutes away from the city you can find over 110 world-famous designer boutiques. Oh là là! Enjoy hands-free shopping and valet parking. Give your car the five-star treatment with a hand wash, so when you roll out, your car looks as fabulous as you do! Certainly, you can’t leave the village without having at least one macaroon. Stop at Ladurée for a sweet treat or even afternoon tea. Look for treasures at Marc Jacobs, Armani, Max Mara, Balenciaga, Chloé and Givenchy.
Helpful tips for a successful shopping trip
While you’re out and about swiping your card as fast as you can, remember these tips for the best possible experience: Greet the store associates, preferably in the local language.
Carry cash.
Remember you may need to have your own shopping bag.
Ask for help for other sizes or reaching merchandise that is up high or in a display.
For each purchase, get a VAT refund form to turn in at the airport (money will be refunded to a debit/credit card). Make sure you have your passport info to complete the forms.
How many bags can you carry? Best to hit the gym now to get prepared… or just opt for hands-free shopping for all the fantastic items you’re sure to find. Whether you’re shopping for a gift, something practical, or a little something special, you’re sure to find exactly what you need (or don’t need)! Don’t miss out on tremendous deals and affordable prices at these European shopping villages.
