Shopping is indeed gays' favourite activity: most gays though consider it a real art!
Some say that money don't make happiness, obviously they don't know where to go shopping, so here are our suggestions:
The promenade of Viareggio is a beautiful walk and an inviting place to shop, and so are the many narrow roads in the centre of Forte dei Marmi, especially if you are looking for clothes and accessories.
Lots of flee markets, almost everywhere in Tuscany take place on week-ends and on special occasions such as festivals etc. The best market we feel to suggest, even though far from Torre del Lago, is the one in Arezzo which is open every first sat. and sun. of the month. If you happen to visit it, start the tour from Piazza Vasari. Another interesting market is in Lucca, in Via del Battistero each third sat. and sun. of the month.
Florence is not only a fascinating art town but also a huge shopping resort: we suggest you to start your shopping tour from Via dei Calzaiuoli.
If you are into art we suggest you to visit Pietrasanta, where the choice is rich and prices are lower than in bigger towns.
A few addresses? Mercurio gallery is in Viareggio in Corso Garibaldi 116, in Pietrasanta instead the whole centre is worth the visit (suggested link).
A short visit to Montelupo is a must for those of you who like ceramics, past overflowings of the river Arno brought a huge quantity of clay on the territory between Florence and Empoli and many laboratories of ceramists rose in Montelupo for that reason. Our hint: visit the Museum of ceramics.
Now, let's talk outlets: the area between Pistoia, Florence and Arezzo is full of them, here you may shop and buy lots of branded clothing products at bargain prices.
A few adresses:
Prada's outlet is in Montevarchi (AR) in Località Levanella 68 - tel. 055-91901, here you may find most of the old collections, shoes and lether goods.
Dolce and Gabbana have opened their outlet in Incisa Val D'Arno (FI) in Località Santa Maria Maddalena 49, Pian dell'Isola
tel. 055-8331300. Opening hours: 9/19. Sunday, 15/19): 50% and 60% discount on past collections. Clothing, shoes and accessories, objects of home design.
Coin Outlet is in Pistoia, in Via Adua 217 - tel. 0573-29329. Clothing, accessories, textiles and objects of home design.
Conte of Florence outlet is in Campi Bisenzio, between Prato and Florence, in Via del Limite 170.
Sportive clothing and accessories, first and second choice.
Daniel Hechter and Pierre Cardin have their collections exposed at Giap Confezioni in Vitolini, near Empoli, in Via Renai, 11.