Specialty shopping in Italy
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A
Talarico
Mario Talarico and his nephews have turned the humble umbrella into a work of art. Sought after by international heads of state, each piece is a one-off, complete with mother-of-pearl buttons, a horn tip and a handle made from a single tree branch. While top-of-the-range pieces can fetch up to €300, there are more-affordable options that will keep the budget-conscious singing in the rain.
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Officine Panerai
This purveyor of watches has a special place in Italian hearts. The watches were first produced for Italy's navy divers in WWII. Nowadays the chunky nautical timepieces are collectors' items that can easily cost around €3000. Upstairs from the store is a small archive with WWII photos of Italian navy commandos and their deadly (often for their crew) little manned torpedoes.
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Vannucchi
Via della Condotta was long known as the paper-vendors' street in Florence, and at this historic shop they know a thing or two about the business. Apart from quality writing materials (pens and other accessories) you can splash out on high-quality gift-wrapping paper, stationery and carta fiorentina (Florentine paper, with floral motifs).
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Bon Bon
This is dangerous territory for sweet tooths and chocaholics alike - be prepared for more than a glass and a half of bliss at Bon Bon. Parcels of happiness adorn the shelves while smiling customers stand and drool. Indulge in all description of chocolaty delights and local sweets (diabetics also catered for). Around the corner from Borgo Stretto.
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Filistrucchi
Need a wig or other theatrical devices? This has been the place to come for masks and theatre accessories since the early 18th century. In the 1720s, when it opened, it was a barber's and make-up shop in one, but gradually specialised in make-up and wigs for the theatre. It is one of Florence's oldest stores to have kept in constant business.
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E
Tabaccheria Sisimbro
This temple to tobacco stocks hard-to-find cigarettes (including Dunhill, Dupont and Cartier varieties) as well as decadent Cuban cigars, which are maintained at optimum temperature in a special humidified walk-in room. A range of Italian pipes, cigar cutters, lighters and ashtrays complete the smoky picture.
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Marsili's
A chess player's dream store! Toss out your old magnetic set and indulge in a luxury game with characters from the Crusades for pieces, or perhaps Florentine mercenaries are more your thing? Or jump to the 21st century for modern metallic pieces and other imaginative options.
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Amarcord 900 Modernariato e Collezionismo
Can't find that limited-edition 1972 space toy? Chances are it's ready to launch at this quirky collectables bolt hole. Drop in for shagadelic lamps, retro album covers and rare vintage toys, including retro Russian ambulances and Italian tin cars. Old toys are also restored.
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Bizzarri
Bizzarri by name… Since 1842, the family has been in the business of flogging herbs, chemicals, potions and all sorts of other products. You are unlikely to want to buy anything here, but just peering in the windows is a trip into another century.
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Bau per Miao
Bow-wow the pets back home with designer dog houses, stylish pet carriers, and sculptural scratching posts. Give some glam to your favourite furball with rhinestone-studded patent-leather collars in every colour - too bad they don't come in people sizes.
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J
Libreria Roggero
A handy place with all sorts of guides and maps on Sardinia (mostly in Italian).
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Libreria Duomo
A small offering of guides and maps. Almost everything is in Italian.
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