You’re going to want some memories of Perugia other than those on your head and in your scrapbook- here are our suggestions. Note that while Alan and I put in some of our favorites, this chapter was substantially written by Kathleen Heil, our shopping guru, and updated by our other intrepid shopper, Lauren Sinnott. Hard to believe, but Alan and I don’t “love thread” and we aren’t currently “lusting after the tan cashmere blend turtleneck sweater,” though we understand those who are.
Ahh, shopping. Most of the stores in this section are in the center of Perugia, though some are at one of the two malls. The main mall, or Centro Commerciale is in Collestrada, about forty minutes away by bus. Take bus Q2, which leaves at 32 after the hour from Pallazzo Gallenga and from the mall at 19 after the hour. The main attractions there are the IperCoop (wow, a big supermarket), Zara, and Media World. The buses are few and far between so check the schedule before you leave and when you get off. There’s also a big mall out in Ellera – take bus Z4 from Piazza Partigiani to the Ellera Supermercato.
Another shopping note: Beware that except for a few of the larger chain stores that are orario non-stop, most shops close in the afternoon for la pausa, typically closing around 13:00 and reopening around 16:00. By the way, most shops in Italy are happy to gift wrap your purchase for you at no additional cost. Say “E’ un regalo, potete incartarlo per favore?”