Is Gucci Cheaper in Italy? Here's What You Need To Know (2024)

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If you are thinking about buying a new Gucci purse or bag, you’re probably wondering where is the best place to buy it – so we’re asking the question, is Gucci cheaper in Italy?

House of Gucci is one of the oldest Italian fashion brands; first founded by Guccio Gucci in 1921, the brand started with luggage and bags before gradually beginning to include ready-to-wear fashion and accessories into the collection.

With Alessandro Michele as the brand’s creative director for over seven years, Gucci has become one of the most popular luxury fashion houses. So, if you are thinking about getting your hands on a new Gucci bag and wondering where you should buy it from, we’re going to let you know whether Gucci is actually cheaper in its home country of Italy.

Is Gucci Cheaper in Italy?

In short, Yes! It is cheaper to buy Gucci’s products from Italy. These luxury goods will be cheaper both for US and UK residents.


There are several reasons why this Italian brand is cheaper in Italy, which we will get into shortly. In addition to this, there are also other benefits to shopping in Italy.

Since Gucci originates from Italy, you will often come across products that are not available in the United States and other markets, so you may be able to get your hands on something new and unexpected, this same idea goes for other Italian designer brands, including Bottega Veneta and Prada.

Also, there are great places to buy Gucci items, such as handbags and Gucci watches, for even lower prices in Italy. In addition to regular retail locations, you’ll also have access to outlets, including ‘The Mall’ in Tuscany, and vintage stores ‘La Bottega dei Dolce Ricordi’ in Florence and ‘Desi’ in Bologna. A whole load of great reasons to shop in Italy!

Why is it cheaper?

1. Exchange rates

The first thing you need to check when thinking about buying a new product from this luxury fashion house is the currency exchange rates. You will often find that due to the exchange rate, you may be able to buy a new luxury item for cheaper than what it’s available in the US.

However, it is worth checking the exchange rate before you leave because it does fluctuate, and this will affect how much of a discount you could get.

For example: If you bought a Gucci GG Marmont small shoulder bag at a Gucci store in the United States it would cost you $2,550 + tax.

If you bought this same bag in the UK, it would cost you £1,800

If You bought a Gucci GG Marmont in Italy, it would cost you €2,000

At current exchange rates €1,890 converts to $2,119 or £1,742

…Meaning you would save $431 + tax or £58 to buy the bag in Italy instead of the US or UK JUST by buying it in euros – that is a lot of money to save!

2. VAT refund

Non-EU citizens are also eligible to receive a VAT refund when buying products from Italy. This refund applies to tourists shopping in all countries in the European Economic Area (although the percentage you receive as a refund can differ depending on the country).

So, whether you are shopping in Italy, France, or Germany, you will still receive this refund. Currently, Italian VAT refund rates range from 11.6% to 15.5% according to Upon.io – one of the highest in the world for high-ticket purchases!

Keep reading to find out how you can get your hands on the VAT refund!

All you need to know about the VAT Refund

Although the VAT refund does differ between each European country, you are going to receive some sort of refund no matter what country within the European Economic Area you are in, if you’re a non-resident.

For Italy, you need to spend a minimum €155 in one store to receive a 11.6% refund, which gradually goes up to 15.5% for purchases above €8,000. Simply put, these are the VAT refund rates according to Upon.io:

  • For items less than €1,700, you will get 11.6% – 13.2% VAT refund.
  • For €1,700-€3,000, you will get 13.2% – 14.1% VAT refund.
  • For €3,000-€5,000, you will get 14% VAT refund.
  • For €5,000- €8,000, you will get 15% VAT refund.
  • For above €8,000, you will get 15.5% VAT refund.

If you bought that GG Marmont small shoulder bag for €2,000, you going to receive a refund of roughly €260! In USD that is $275, or in GBP that is £226 – great news!

The total price after the refund would come to €1,740, which is $1,844, or £1,515. If you’re an American, you’re saving almost $706 + US sales with this purchase – that’s almost 30% of the price!

British citizens, on the other hand, will be saving £285, or roughly 16% of the price compared to the UK price.


However, there are some things you need to do before you can receive this refund.

The refund is only applicable to non-EU citizens, people over 16, and people who are visiting Italy for less than six months. So this refund is perfect if you are off to Italy on holiday and looking to tread yourself on a new Gucci product at a lower price.

It is worth noting that since the United Kingdom has left the European Union, British citizens are now eligible to claim this tax refund.

When buying your new luxury bag or purse, you need to make sure you have your passport with you, otherwise, the sales assistants won’t be able to fill in the necessary paperwork. Then, when you reach the airport to head home, you need to remember to go to the customs office to have your receipt stamped, then you are done!

One important thing to remember is that you will still need to pay duty at the airport when you arrive in US or UK. Americans have a personal exemption of $800 (in most cases), after which you’ll be taxed a flat rate of 3%.

British citizens will enjoy a personal exemption of £390, after which 2.5% duty is imposed (this can vary slightly depending on the type of product that you buy). Even with the duties, you will save a LOT compared to buying the product from your home country, by virtue of both the exchange rates and the VAT refund.

Finally, it’s important to note that you can’t open and use your new luxury item until you’ve got back home. The tax refund policy is only applicable on products that are unused abroad, so it needs to be unused when you are at the customs office and at the airport.

Then once you are home, you can open and enjoy your new luxury purchase!

Alternative ways to get your hands on Gucci

Of course, all the top luxury items are available on the Gucci website, including the Diana and Jackie 1961 but at a slightly higher price.

If you’re looking to score a great deal on a Gucci bag without having to buy a plane ticket to Italy, resale sites are your best bet. Sites such as Fashionphile have an amazing range of high-quality Gucci bags for you to choose from, so here are some of our favorites.

1. the Dionysus
Is Gucci Cheaper in Italy? Here's What You Need To Know (1)

The Gucci Dionysus is one of the iconic Gucci handbags, a favorite that is completely eye-catching and will add a bit of glamour to any outfit. This structured bag is made from white calfskin leather for a luxurious finish and then embellished with silver hardware.

The shoulder strap can be worn longer and across the body, or shorter as a shoulder bag, while the tiger head closure sparkles as it is encrusted with crystals. Everyone needs the Gucci Dionysus in their lives just to add a little more glitz and glam!

2. the gg Marmont
Is Gucci Cheaper in Italy? Here's What You Need To Know (2)

The GG Marmont is one of Gucci’s best-selling handbags and it’s easy to see why. This bag is completely gorgeous yet totally functional too. This beautiful edition is in rich blue velvet, which is then quilted to give the bag a sumptuous texture.

The blue of the velvet is then accentuated by the aged-gold hardware in the form of the GG logo and chain shoulder strap. The Italian fashion label always delivers some of the best handbags out there and the GG Marmont is definitely one of them.

3. the Horsebit 1955
Is Gucci Cheaper in Italy? Here's What You Need To Know (3)

Another highly popular Gucci bag is the Horsebit 1955 shoulder bag. This version of the Horsebit is made from the quintessentially Gucci GG supreme canvas and then trimmed with supple brown leather. Sitting front and center on the closure of the bag is the gleaming gold horsebit – which harks back to Gucci’s equestrian past.

The interior is practical too, featuring a zipped pocket and two patch pockets – creating the ideal everyday bag that would suit any look. And easy on the credit card too if you are buying this bag from Fashionphile.

We hope you found this article on whether you can get Gucci for cheaper in Italy helpful! For lots more luxury fashion content, check out the links below.

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Is Gucci Cheaper in Italy? Here's What You Need To Know (2024)

FAQs

Which country is Gucci cheapest? ›

While this may come as a surprise, the United Kingdom (and not Italy) is the cheapest nation to buy Gucci. That said, most of Britain's neighbors on the European continent have pricing that comes pretty close. What is this? Gucci, like many luxury brands, is manufactured in Europe.

How much less is Gucci in Europe? ›

It is substantially cheaper to buy luxury products from brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, or Gucci in Paris, their prices being on average between 30% and 40% cheaper in France than in other countries, especially those outside the European Union.

Is a Gucci bag fake if it says made in Italy? ›

3. Interior Tag. Authentic Gucci bags should have a dark brown leather tab which holds the bags serial number. The interior tag should also have a heat stamp with the brand's trademark symbol, double G logo and the words ”Made in Italy”.

Is Gucci actually made in Italy? ›

Gucci prides itself on being 100% made in Italy. Check your pieces—we'd be surprised if any of them aren't made in Italy. All its products are manufactured in Prato, a town just outside of Florence, where the brand's headquarters are located.

Are leather bags cheaper in Italy? ›

Overall, Italian Leather can be considered more expensive, not cheaper, than other leather goods made elsewhere.

Is Gucci cheaper in Paris or USA? ›

The most popular designer brands that are cheaper in Paris vs the US is the following: Alexander McQueen, Armani, Balenciaga, Balmain, Berluti, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Celine, Chanel, Chloe, Dior, Fendi, Givenchy, Goyard, Gucci, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Longchamp, Prada, Salvatore Ferragamo, Tom Ford, Valentino, YSL / ...

Why are Gucci bags cheaper in Europe? ›

Luxury brands that are cheaper in Europe

They will typically be cheaper due to lower overhead costs as there are no extra charges like import tax, duty tax and transportation costs to ship the items to overseas stores.

Are Italian brands cheaper in Europe? ›

Are Designer Bags Cheaper in Europe? The shortest answer to this question is a definite yes. Luxury brands (especially French and Italian brands) offer cheaper pricing in Europe than in the United States. That said, American and British brands aren't usually cheaper in Europe.

Which country is cheapest to buy designer bags? ›

Europe has long been seen as one of the best places to bag a bargain on designer items from handbags to dresses, and shoes to earrings. According to Vogue, who knows a thing or two about fashion, the cheapest designer bags can be found in the UK, France and Germany.

How can you tell if Gucci is real? ›

Authentic Gucci bags will have a heat stamp or label stitched on the interior, which features the brand name, the registered trademark and mentions it was “Made in Italy”. The underside of the label has to show the serial number, which is usually two sets of 6-digit numbers.

Do all Gucci tags say Made in Italy? ›

Gucci is an Italian brand, and every piece of their clothing must say “Made in Italy” on the tag. Fakes are often made in China or Korea, so check on its manufacturing origin. It's also a good idea to take a look at the quality of the stitching on the piece you're checking.

Are there fake designer bags in Italy? ›

there are vendors selling fake bags all over Rome. However, they look fake and in the end if you really want a Prada or Gucci bag you can find them at a decent price at the outlets near Florence or during the twice a year sales. It's not worth the hefty fine to buy a poor quality fake.

Where is the original Gucci store in Italy? ›

Established in Florence in 1921, the Gucci fashion house, now under the eclectic creative direction of Alessandro Michele, has its flagship store on Via de' Tornabuoni, opposite the magnificent Palazzo Strozzi.

Where are real Gucci bags made at? ›

The “Made in Italy” label

Another way to know if a Gucci bag is original is to check if the item has been made in Italy. Absolutely all the firm's bags are manufactured in Italy, so it must be indicated on the label.

What does the bee mean on Gucci? ›

Why Does Gucci Have a Bee Logo? Image: Gucci. The bumblebee made its first appearance for Gucci in the 70s and was used in Michele's debut women's Fall-Winter collection in 2015. The humble worker bee has appeared in family crests, paintings and tapestries for centuries and is "a sign of nobility in Europe."

What kind of purse do you wear in Italy? ›

Sometimes I come home with a few. But I always use a specific kind of purse when I'm traveling (in Italy and elsewhere) – a cross-body purse. Wearing a purse across your chest can be a key part of travel safety. A cross-body bag makes it harder for a would-be thief to grab it and run.

What clothes to buy in Italy? ›

But the clothes from famous brands are quite expensive in Italy. What brands to buy in Italy? Bottega Veneta, Valentino, Versace, Moschino, Gucci, Giorgio Armani, Prada are some of the famous brands that you'll find in Italy. But before entering any of the stores, make sure you have a budget in mind.

Which city in Italy has the best leather? ›

Because Florence is known for its leather, it has attracted a pretty shady trade in cheap knock-offs and poor quality goods sold to tourists who don't know any better. Keep in mind as well that it's not only illegal to sell knock-offs in Italy, it's also illegal to buy them.

Is Louis Vuitton or Gucci cheaper? ›

You can see that in most cases, Louis Vuitton is a bit more expensive than Gucci. When it comes to purses, the cost of a luxury item made by the French fashion house can actually be astronomical. However, there's always an opportunity to purchase the desired item cheaper at consignment stores.

Is it cheaper to buy luxury goods in Italy or Paris? ›

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The short answer is yes, luxury brands are cheaper in Paris. If you are looking for a designer handbag, belt, accessory, clothing, etc then Paris is the place to go! Let's dive down to the nitty-gritty and explain why luxury brands are cheaper in Paris and Europe.

Is Saint Laurent cheaper in Italy? ›

If you're wondering if YSL is cheaper in Italy – the answer is, compared to the US, yes. Italy uses Euros as well and the prices are around 20% cheaper. Also, the average VAT refund in Italy will be around 12%, so a similar price to France.

Why is luxury cheaper in Hawaii? ›

The low tax factor is one of the key reasons why luxury goods are much cheaper in Hawaii compared to other parts of the United States. As there is no state sales tax on these items, retailers are able to lower their prices significantly and still make a profit.

How much cheaper is Fendi in Italy? ›

The same high-quality products are available at a lower retail price in Italy (up to 30% less than average market price), so insiders get access to the best price for in-season fashion and luxury accessories by using italist.

Is Gucci cheaper in Lisbon? ›

If we speak about luxury brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Armani or Prada, we can say that prices do not vary much in Europe and in Lisbon, prices are about the same.

What is cheaper to buy in Italy than in the US? ›

Compared to the US and the rest of Europe, several items are cheaper in Italy. These items include alcohol, tobacco, coffee, leather goods, bottled water, certain clothing items, and local wines. Many Italian food items are cheaper, including cheese, olive oil, bread, pasta, and pizza.

Do things cost less in Italy? ›

It's the primary reason many people first consider moving overseas. In general, the COL in Italy can be 30% to 70% lower than the cost of living in the U.S., depending on where in Italy you want to live, and how you want to live.

Which country in Europe is best to buy luxury? ›

Best countries to shop in Europe

Additionally, while the US dollar is worth more than the Euro, it's not worth more than the British pound. So, if you have to choose, France is probably the better option, especially if you're shopping for luxury items.

Which luxury bag is cheaper in us? ›

Fossil handbags are some of the least expensive designer purses with most prices falling short of even the mid hundreds. Expect to see prices in the low hundreds. You can find these bags at Zappos.com along with department stores and Fossil.com.

Which country makes the best handbags? ›

It can be a recognized commercial advantage for products, both in France and for their development abroad. Looking at the share of people who consider France as the best country of manufacturing for luxury handbags and shoes, it appears that this proportion increased a little over the years.

Which country has the most expensive Chanel? ›

Chanel is Most Expensive in USA and Thailand

In fact, shoppers pay 16-25% more at these locations than shoppers in France.

Is the gold on Gucci bags real? ›

Yes, Gucci uses real gold. The designer's jewelry is only crafted out of precious materials including 18k gold, platinum, sterling silver, and diamonds.

Can a Gucci bag be real without a serial number? ›

The leather rectangular serial number tag is typically found on Gucci bags made in the late 90s and onward. The shape and style of the tag also varies substantially in older vintage Gucci. If the bag is purportedly a newer model, and doesn't have a tag, this is an instant red flag of counterfeit.

How can you tell when a Gucci bag was made? ›

Unlike many of its luxury designer counterparts, Gucci does not include date codes that can decipher the year a bag was made. A visually similar offering by Gucci is the inclusion of a standard serial number. This non-unique number will appear on many bags from the same batch – or series.

Is Gucci cheaper in Korea? ›

In general, however, it is safe to say that Gucci products are typically cheaper in Korea than they are in other countries. This is due in part to the fact that Korea is a major market for Gucci and the company often offers special deals and discounts to entice customers.

Why is Gucci cheap in China? ›

They are always less expensive than in other countries due to their lack of sales tax. Aside from all of these well-known international luxury brands, Gucci is widely regarded as one of the most successful cases in which a Chinese company has successfully integrated the Chinese luxury goods market.

Which country is famous for Gucci? ›

Gucci (/ˈɡuːtʃi/ ( listen), GOO-chee; Italian pronunciation: [ˈɡuttʃi]) is an Italian high-end luxury fashion house based in Florence, Italy.

What is the cheapest thing available in Gucci? ›

What is Gucci's cheapest item?
  • Rouge à Lèvres Mat Matte Lipstick.
  • Rouge à Lèvres Satin Lipstick retails.
  • Rouge à Lèvres Voile Sheer Lipstick.
  • Baume à Lèvres Lip Balm.
  • Mascara L'Obscur is the cheapest Gucci item in the world, and it retails at $35.00.
Mar 30, 2021

Is Gucci more expensive in America? ›

Mega price difference. And for bag comparison, my Gucci Tian Boston Supreme (larger size) costs 1410 Swiss Francs. U.S. price is $1850. With the two currencies pretty much equal, buyers in the U.S. do pay a significant premium.

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