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Looking for Good Shops in Florence

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    In April I'll be in Florence for a few days and would like some recommendations for shopping for myself, family and friends. I'd like to bring back a few things that are memorable of the city. Thank you for your help!

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    You'll have no trouble finding lovely gifts throughout the city. I've actually had good luck at The Ponte Vecchio (the main pedestrian bridge over the Arno). Shops are the staple of Ponte Vecchio. [It's believed to be the place where the term Bankruptcy comes from. Merchants were required to show their wares on a table (or, "banco"), and the soldiers would destroy ("rotto") the tables of Merchants who could not pay their debts. Hence, the term was coined, "bancorotto".]

    Not too far from the Ponte Vecchio you'll find a very cute litte stationery store Giulio Giannini e Figlio, that's been handed down in the family since the mid 1800s. They have handtooled leather book bindings and handmade stationery which make excellent gifts. http://www.giuliogiannini.it/

    Hope that helps!

    Thanks from: abeam
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    Adjacent to the Piazza di Santa Maria Novella you'll find one of the oldest pharmacies in the world, Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, started by the Dominican friars who settled in Florence during the 13th Century. The monks used to grow herbs for medicine at the Santa Maria Novella monastery's infirmary. Though their chemist shop has only been open since 1612.

    They sell what many consider to be the world's finest handmade soaps, perfumes, potpourri, and other toiletries—all which make excellent gifts. And the store has beautifully preserved its feel from the past, complete with frescos and ancient chemist instruments. The store is usually closed for some time in August, but you can actually buy their stuff in various shops throughout the world now, and online as well.

    I won't lie to you, their stuff is very pricey, but it also lasts a very long time. The lather on their soaps is so rich that you barely need to use that much each time you use it. This is typical of many of their formulas, so some of their products can often last you a year or longer. At that point, it's almost a bargain!

    Thanks from: abeam
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    My personal assistant can coordinate a personalized shopping spree trips throughout Europe and I'm sure she would be glad to help you coordinate your shopping trip in Florence. Please tell me what you will be looking for most in Florence and I will ask her if she can assist you in coordinating your shopping days. She always helps me find great deals. She is easy going, entertaining, refined and a very friendly young Spanish woman. She is very well connected, her very presence usually helps me receive alot of fabulous discounts in the finest boutiques in Italy, Spain, France and London.

    Best regard,
    Diana Deborbon

    Thanks from: abeam
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    Diana, Thank you so much! That's very kind of you.

    I still have to book my tickets, and there's a 50-50 chance that I might have to delay my trip for a few months. I'll definitely give it some thought and Whisper you if I decide to take you up on the offer. Thanks again!

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