Mercantinos are a big thing here in Italy. They sell second hand items primarily on consignment…read more The great thing about the consignment aspect is that after a certain amount of time the prices drop. Eventually the shop just owns them if they aren't purchased. This particular shop has a ton of options. Way too many for a quick walk through. Even if you know what you are looking for you really have to hunt through the store. So, give yourself plenty of time if you are on a hunting mission and check the dates. After 30 days you can usually ask for a discount.

This is like a US Super Walmart or Target. It has everything you need to run your home and more. If…read moreyou'd like fresh fruits and veggies, they got'em. If you like books and school supplies, they got'em. If you want electronics or kitchen gadgets, they got'em. How about garden tools or lawn furniture, got'em. Wine by the bottle, jug, or tap... got it! Meals to go, fish for frying, cheeses galore... got it! This is one of my favorite stores. My only issue is that if I go in for one or two things I come out with twenty. It can be a one stop shopping experiencing or you could blow your budget. A couple tips... If you decide to do the self checkout make sure to keep your receipt handy. You will need the bar code on the receipt to get out of the electric swinging bar. Also, if you bring your own bags you won't have to pay extra to use theirs.

First time visitor to Vicenza, our hosts introduced us to this store prior to a stay of 2 months…read more Very impressed, has almost everything you could want (no versions of Chai powder or concentrate). Will be our go-to shopping spot.

Beautiful selection of jewellery, head pieces, masks, purses/clutches, corsets, and even sculptural…read morepieces that can hold items. Everything is handmade, so definitely pricier, but if you find something you like, you must try it! He also made the jewellery for the set of Reign, which is pretty cool. I bought a necklace, clutch, and a ring. All so beautiful and unique.

LAGGIA in Venice is a tiny store next to Campo San Maurizio in the passageway when walking in the…read moredirection of San Marco square. It is easy to miss, but a highly recommended stop. Laggia is the store of Alfred Laggia the local Venetian designer who creates incredibly complex hand made intricate mesh jewellery pieces in his studio in Venice. He makes tiny delicate pieces as well as dramatic large pieces which were a favourite of Gianni Versace in his runway shows. Ask to see the amazing mesh head pieces. Sabrina Laggia (Alfredo's wife) works in the store and can also show you photographs of his larger scale works. Because it is such a tiny store it is easy to pass it by, assuming that it is part of all the usual tourist fare. I highly recommend that you go inside and look at the designs as they are quite incredible. I bought a neck piece and a cuff bracelet both of which are a bit grand for me, but so amazing that I'm sure I will wear them to a special event in the future. If the shop is closed go across the hall to the wine store which they also own and Sabrina will let you in.

This is a great outlet selling some of the greatest brands in Italian lingerie and hosiery at very…read morereasonable prices. You will be able to grab great deals from Calzedonia, Intimissimi and Tezenis. The outlet is usually packed on weekends so I would recommend getting there as early as possible before the best items are gone. There is plenty of choice for man, woman and children.

This place is awesome! They have all different kinds of alcohol products from all over the world…read more They have great gift ideas and lots of specialty foods and even baskets to present them in. There's only street parking on a one way street. So, it might be a little tricky to get a spot, but it would be worth the walk if you have to park further away. Make sure to go into the side room. They have all kinds of chocolates and even large, plush, stuffed animals. Totally worth the visit to this spot. You will be hard pressed to not walk away with something.