The Mall Firenze.
My…read morefriends and I came here while visiting Tuscany, Italy. We drove here. If you aren't able to take a car here, there can be other options, check there website. There are travel groups/companies that take big groups here by coach bus from all over the region.
This outside outlet mall is huge and worth the visit, if your interested in designer/name brand goods. We visited Gucci, Prada, Ferragamo, Bottega, Celine, and Valentino. I didn't get a chance to go into Fendi, Coach, or Saint Laurent. I was satusfied with my purchases. Some of the stores have a cap in the amount of guests they let in at a time, so you have to wait in line outside before getting in. When we visited, most of the stores were open and available, some were busier than others.
There are some savings to be had in some of the stores. If you are living in the US, but be sure to calculate what the US currency price of the item is, to ensure your really saving money. You can even try and find out what the US price of the item would be online first to compare the price at The Mall.
Each store has a relationship with a specific tax free company, Planet, Global Blue etc. Depending on what company they use, could determine how much $ you actually get back. Some have higher fees, so you don't end up saving much money.
The Mall grounds are well manicured and sprawling. You could spend the whole day there. Or go to your specific store of choice and get in and get out. There's a cafes & coffee shop for sustenance during your shopping day.
The best thing about the place, is they have a tax free lounge in the far back of the Mall. Where you can go and apply for your VAT, and receive your cash refund, depending on your final destination country. You can also ask questions there. The staff are pretty strict in there. You pull a number and wait to be called, and it's slow, and ladies like it quiet, so they ask for minimal talking while waiting. But its got AC and chairs to rest your weary feet. So give yourself time to get there wait in line, if you need to. My friend was leaving the next day, and was able to get her VAT.
Worth the visit if in the area.