Okay, so I know we’re all abroad and on a budget…but, who doesn’t want to take a little “pick-me-up” shopping trip once in awhile (every girl has got to get her fix!)? If you’re looking for some shopping on a student budget, we have some tips to keep your wallet heavy and your arms filled with purchases!
Let’s start with the two European stores that we all know and love: H&M and Zara (sorry, no Top Shop in this part of Italy!). These two moderately priced men’s and women’s fashion companies can be found at the Centro Commerciale Collestrada (also known as, “the mall”), which is about 40 minutes away from the Centro Storico by bus.
If you’re not quite in the mood to make the trek to the mall, the center of Perugia also has its fair share of stores to browse around. Some of our favorites for affordable women’s clothing include:
Contrasto > (on Via Calderini, just off of Corso Vannucci), a small boutique with trendy and colorful tops, shoes, coats, and costume jewelry;
Brandy Melville > (on Corso Vannucci), a California-inspired company with great single-sized basics;
Subdued > (on Via Baglioni, just off of Via Mazzini Giuseppe), a slightly pricier (but very hip!) Italian chain that includes all clothing pieces, tons of denim, and both lacey and studded items;
Kookai > Across from Niba at Maestà delle Volte 1 is this French import with the latest trends for women. I’m currently lusting after the tan cashmere blend turtleneck sweater with the leather elbow patches and the embroidered gnome. Skirts, sweaters, jackets and shirts from €30-250.
18 MQ > (on Via dei Priori), a VERY small shop with BIG clothing finds;
Strangers’ Corner > in Piazza Cavallotti (just behind the bus stop near Piazza Morlacchi) for splurges on funky jewelry;
United Colors of Benetton > You would never know it from looking at the bland rows of clothing on the walls but this ubiquitous Italian chain was once infamous for its print ads, which used controversial images of drug addicts and Jesus. Nothing special these days, but if you’re in dire need of a generic sweater and it’s la pausa time, Benetton will do. Mo-Sa 10-20:00.
…and finally, a small vintage shop (on Via Luigi Masi, across from the RAI building just above the bus station in Piazza Partigiani) with adorable used tops, bags, and accessories from the past.
So, next time you’re feeling a little blue in Perugia…give yourself a little pink treat and explore the shops around the town! After all, shopping therapy nearly always does the trick in Italy.
As far as men’s shopping goes, you cannot go wrong at Sisley (on Via Mazzini) for hard-wearing tops and bottoms;
Smooth Kicks > (near Via delle Rupe) provides a large collection of sneakers and other (quite flashy!) shoes;
And, for those guys and girls looking to find sports gear within a short walking distance from the Center, try Coni Sport (under the big arches toward Piazza Morlacchi) for sneakers and “big name” sports brands, like Adidas.
AC Perugia soccer clothing > You can easily buy online some Perugia soccer merchandising . But if you want to try it on and browse then you have to go at “Calcio Mania” at Centro Commerciale Gherlinda (Via Pierluigi Nervi, 5 06073 Corciano). Take the G1 bus from Piazza Italia and ask the bus driver to stop at Gherlinda (double check on umbriamobilita.it).
Party Costumes > You will probably have occasion at least once to put on a costume while you’re in Perugia. One place to get costumes and other party stuff is Divertilandia, down by the station at Via Campo di Marte 10e. Take buses G or A down from Piazza Partigiani, or, standing in front of the station, walk along the big street to the right until you see it on the left. The phone is 075. 505.6704 and the hours are standard.
Coni Sport > An extensive and well-priced selection of the hottest American and European brands in sneakers and sportswear. Converse, Vans, Nike, Jack Jones, Nordicapp, Adidas, and Puma, to name just a few. Check out the back wall on the right for bargains they sometimes have Pumas on clearance for as little as €30. At Maesta delle Volte, 16. Walk from bar Centrale (on Piazza IV Novembre) straight past the steps and go straight until you are in Via Maestà delle Volte, then angle down right. Follow this winding street till you see Coni in the corner. Mo-Sa 9:20-13, 15-20:00 and Sun 11-20:00.