Shopping in Tuscany
Content
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
Generally speaking, longer opening hours can be expected in larger towns and cities (approximately 07:00 a.m. to 22:00 p.m.). In smaller towns in Tuscany, owners may open according to demand. This could mean, for example, longer lunch breaks and extended evening hours. On Sundays and public holidays, even smaller shops may be open until 13:30 p.m., and larger shops in bigger towns may even be open all day. Here's a rough guide (Monday to Saturday):
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 afternoon
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:
Full-service gas stations often have a lunch break (around 12:30 to 3:00 PM) and close in the evening. However, almost everywhere there are self-service pumps ("Self" or "Fai da te") where you can refuel 24/7 using a card or cash at the pump. Tip: Fuel is usually slightly more expensive at full-service pumps ("Servito").
About the prices of goods:
Basically in Italy it has to be of a bit higher 
Food prices are expected to be lower than in Germany. In Tuscany, supermarket chains such as Coop, Conad, and Esselunga are particularly widespread, along with discount stores like Lidl and Eurospin. Those looking for regional products – cheese, sausage, olive oilFor fruit and vegetables, it's best to buy them at weekly markets or directly from the producer. You can find out when and where markets are held in Tuscany in our [guide/guide/etc.]. Overview of markets in TuscanyDesigner fashion at reduced prices is available in the Outlets of Tuscany.
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 should keep Ferragosto (August 15th) in mind: On this public holiday, many shops and businesses are closed, and half of Italy is on vacation. In tourist areas, supermarkets are often open at least in the morning – but it's best to shop the day before, just to be safe. Many shops also remain closed around Easter, on April 25th, May 1st, June 2nd, as well as at Christmas and New Year's. For this reason, beaches, hotels, restaurants, and other tourist attractions are usually very crowded on these days.
A little tip on the side:
Previously in Italy, customers could be fined for leaving a store without a receipt (scontrino). This rule no longer applies to customers. However, you should still take the receipt – you'll need it for returns and warranty claims, and for purchases made by non-EU citizens, for VAT refunds.
Sources: German Industry and Trade Day, own experiences
