Shopping in Tuscany can be one or the other 
contain surprise. Be it a bargain at an antique dealer or completely unusual store opening times.
The opening times
In principle, longer opening times can be expected in large towns or cities (around 07 a.m. to 00 p.m.). In smaller towns in Tuscany it may well be that the owners open “as needed”. This can mean, for example, that lunch breaks last longer and that shops are open longer in the evenings. On Sundays and public holidays, smaller shops can also be open until 22:00 p.m., and large shops in large towns can even be open all day. Here is a rough guide (Mon to Sat):
Smaller shops:
09: 00 13 to: 00 pm
15: 00 19 to: 30 pm
In smaller towns, the lunch break can last until 16:00 p.m. Sometimes the dealers even take turns with each other - here it helps to ask if necessary, for example in the hotel or with the owner of the holiday home.
Shopping centers, department stores:
until 21:00 p.m. or 22:00 p.m.
Super Market:
open before 09 a.m.
On the following days of the week, certain shops are closed in smaller towns or on a day of rest:
Super Market: Wednesday morning
Other shops / department stores: Monday morning
Banks:
The banks are open in the mornings from 8.00 a.m. to 13.30 p.m. They have different opening times in the afternoons.
Petrol stations:
The petrol stations are open in the morning from 8.00 a.m. to 13.00 p.m. and in the afternoon from 15.00 p.m. to 19.00 p.m. depending on the time of year.
About the prices of goods:
Basically in Italy it has to be of a bit higher 
food prices than in Germany. There is the “Lidl market” in several places, it carries a large range of German goods (e.g. apple juice), the “cheap items” do not always meet Italian standards.
It can happen that the wine from the supermarket is not exactly what you would expect from a good Tuscan wine. Conversely, the shops usually cover all needs and the Italians are very helpful if you ask them.
Special days without shop opening:
Anyone traveling to Italy in the summer must especially remember that on Ferragosto (August 15th) all shops and businesses are closed and all Italians are on vacation. For this reason, beaches, hotels, restaurants and other places of tourist interest are usually overpopulated on this day.
A little tip on the side:
Always take the receipt from the cash register with you! If you leave a store, the Guardia di Finanza (Italian Finance and Customs Police) can, at least in theory, stop you and, if you don't have a receipt with you, fine you for unpaid taxes. As I said, this can theoretically happen, but we don't know anyone who has experienced something like this themselves.
Sources: German Industry and Trade Day, own experiences
Last updated: 31.01.2024
