Traveling through Italy and wondering where to find everything you need, from groceries and home essentials to electronics and fashion, in one place? While Italy doesn’t have exact versions of Walmart or Target, the country is packed with fantastic alternatives. Whether you’re planning a long stay or just visiting for a few days, this traveler-friendly guide will help you shop smart, save money, and discover the best Italian stores for every kind of purchase.
Before we dive in, if you want more insider Italy travel tips beyond shopping, check out Italy on Foot for practical advice and inspiration!
Quick Tourist Cheat-Sheet for Shopping in Italy
- Returns: In-store returns for change-of-mind are not guaranteed (unlike Walmart/Target); each store has its own policy. Online and distance purchases have a 14-day return right under EU law.
- VAT Refund: Non-EU visitors can claim VAT back on goods purchases of at least €70.01 per receipt. Use OTELLO 2.0 system when leaving the EU, and keep your passport and purchase receipts handy.
- Shopping Bags: Grocery bags and produce bags are biodegradable and charged a small fee.
- Produce Weighing: Some supermarkets ask you to weigh and label your own fruits and vegetables!
- Appliance Take-Back: When buying a new appliance, retailers must take your old one for free (“1-for-1”). Many will accept small electronics in-store with no purchase.
- Sale Seasons (Saldi): Huge discounts in early January (winter) and early July (summer), dates may vary by region.
- Payments & Loyalty: Contactless cards work almost everywhere. Nearly all large chains offer loyalty cards, signing up is easy and can save you money.
One-Stop Hypermarkets: Italy’s Closest Answer to Walmart & Target
Italy’s “hypermarkets” are the best places to find everything under one roof, from food to clothing, small appliances, household goods, and seasonal items. These larger stores are usually located in shopping centers (centri commerciali) on the outskirts of cities.
Spazio Conad
- Italy’s biggest grocery group, with hypermarket-size stores called Spazio Conad.
- Fresh foods, pantry items, health & beauty, home needs, clothing, toys, garden, and more.
- Strong presence all over Italy, including the south.
- Official site and shop locator: Conad.it
Iper – La grande i
- Very large “everything in one place” hypermarkets, think Italian Target meets Walmart.
- Great for families, bulk shopping, and good private-label products.
- Official site: Iper.it
Carrefour Iper
- French chain’s hypermarket format; widely present in larger towns and cities.
- International brands, groceries, household, clothing, and tech under one roof.
- Official site: Carrefour.it
Premium Supermarkets (Esselunga & Coop): For Groceries and More
Esselunga
- Known for premium grocery experience, very high quality, and excellent service.
- Mostly in North and Central Italy.
- Fresh food, kitchen gadgets, cleaning supplies, plus a strong online delivery system (“Esselunga a Casa”).
- Loyalty program: Fìdaty Card
- Online shop: Esselunga Online
Coop / Ipercoop
- Italy’s federation of co-ops with stores everywhere, especially North & Center.
- Larger format stores use the “Ipercoop” name, diverse range of products beyond groceries.
- Organic and sustainable goods are a highlight, with a strong social responsibility focus.
- Official site: Coop Online
Discount Grocery Stores: Lidl, Eurospin, ALDI, and PENNY
- Lidl: Massive network (~800 stores). Low prices, weekly specials, international foods, and Italian basics. Lidl Italy
- Eurospin: Italian discounter. Sharp prices, solid private labels. Eurospin
- ALDI: Fast-growing, offers great value and in-and-out efficiency. ALDI Italy
- PENNY: Widespread, especially in North/Central regions, for easy budget shopping. PENNY Italy
These chains are perfect for stocking up on basics, trying local snacks, and keeping your travel budget in check!
Beauty & Home Basics: Tigotà and Acqua & Sapone
For anyone missing the “health & beauty/home” aisles at Target, Italy’s top chains fill in perfectly:
- Tigotà: Nearly everywhere (700+ stores), personal care, cleaning, baby needs, budget beauty finds. Tigotà
- Acqua & Sapone: Also nationwide (800–900+ stores), toiletries, haircare, makeup, cleaning, small household items, and gifts. Acqua & Sapone
Electronics & Appliances: MediaWorld, Unieuro and More
- MediaWorld: Major electronics and appliance group. Extensive selection and well-organized stores. MediaWorld
- Unieuro: Italy’s largest electronics chain by store count, tech, home appliances, phones, accessories. Unieuro
- Euronics / Trony / Expert: Additional networks for TVs, computers, gadgets, and more. Euronics
- Online shopping, delivery, and in-store pick-up are all available. Staff can even help with installation!
- If you’re replacing appliances, remember: stores must take your old item for free at time of delivery (applies to large and small electronics).
Home Improvement & Garden: Leroy Merlin, Bricofer, Tecnomat, OBI, Brico io
- Leroy Merlin: The “Home Depot” of Italy; big-box DIY, garden, furniture, and building materials. Leroy Merlin
- Bricofer: Leading Italian home improvement chain, good for tools, decor, and home basics. Bricofer
- Tecnomat (ex-Bricoman): Especially for pros, but welcomes everyone. Tecnomat
- OBI, Brico io: More options for small hardware, garden, and seasonal needs. OBI Italia | Brico io
Perfect if you’re sprucing up a rental, fixing travel gear, or need garden and picnic supplies.
Non-Food Value Stores: Action
If you’re missing those “hidden gem” aisles full of home decor, kitchen gadgets, crafts, and snacks, you’ll love Action. It’s a rapidly growing discount chain from the Netherlands that feels very much like the “treasure hunt” part of Target or Flying Tiger Copenhagen.
- Action: Budget homeware, office, DIY, food, toys, supplies for every project. Action Italy
Department Stores: Rinascente, Coin, UPIM
- Rinascente: Upscale and stylish, designer brands, cosmetics, gourmet foods, and a must-see rooftop food hall at the Milan flagship. Offers VAT refund service in-store. Rinascente
- Coin: Solid mid-market Italian department store. Good selection of fashion, beauty, and home. Coin
- UPIM: Value-focused for everyday fashion, home, and small family needs. Part of OVS Group. UPIM
Specialty Stores: Eataly & Decathlon
Eataly
- Gourmet mecca for Italian food lovers, eat, shop, learn about regional specialties.
- Fresh pasta, cheeses, wines, kitchen gadgets, cookbooks, plus frequent tastings and events.
- Official site: Eataly
Decathlon
- Affordable sports/outdoors superstore with a giant range of gear, clothing, footwear, and even bikes.
- Known for good value, repair programs, and easy returns.
- Official site: Decathlon Italy
Home Goods & Furniture: IKEA and Mondo Convenienza
- IKEA: For all your small home needs, furniture, and clever storage (nationwide stores & pick-up points). IKEA Italy
- Mondo Convenienza: Budget furniture and home solutions, with delivery/assembly offered. Mondo Convenienza
Online Shopping: Amazon & eBay
Italy’s leading online shopping platforms offer fast shipping, easy price comparison, and customer service in English or Italian. You’ll find everything from groceries to tech:
- Amazon Italy (Amazon Lockers are common in cities, plus Prime benefits if you sign up.)
- eBay Italy
Useful for ordering big or bulky items, hobby finds, or having something delivered to your next hotel or apartment.
How to Shop in Italy: What’s Different?
- Returns: Italian stores may not offer easy “no-questions” returns like abroad. Check policies at the customer service counter, especially for fashion and electronics. Online orders have a legal 14-day return window (as per EU law).
- VAT Refunds: Non-EU visitors: for purchases over €70.01 at qualifying shops, ask for a VAT form. Use OTELLO 2.0 system at the airport/train station to claim your refund. Make sure you keep receipts and ask about “Tax Free Shopping” before you pay.
- Loyalty Programs: Sign up for free at checkout, examples include Esselunga Fìdaty Card, Coop Card, MediaWorld Club, etc. Get instant coupons or accumulate points for bigger rewards.
- Bags: Plan to bring your own reusable bag or buy one in-store (they cost a few cents, are biodegradable, and sometimes a bit tiny for big shops).
- Produce Scale: When buying fruit/veg, always check if you need to weigh and sticker it yourself before getting in line. Some stores require this step; others have staff do it.
- Sales (Saldi): Huge savings available only twice a year in most regions. To get the best picks and prices, arrive at the beginning of the sale window.
- Appliance Recycling: When a new appliance is delivered, ask about free take-back (“Ritiro RAEE”); this is your right and helps you dispose of the old one responsibly.
Find the Right Store for Your Needs
| What You Need | Go Here |
|---|---|
| One-stop groceries & home | Spazio Conad, Iper – La grande i, Carrefour Iper |
| Premium groceries | Esselunga, Coop/Ipercoop |
| Discount groceries | Lidl, Eurospin, ALDI, PENNY |
| Personal care & cleaning | Tigotà, Acqua & Sapone |
| Electronics & appliances | MediaWorld, Unieuro, Euronics |
| Home improvement / DIY | Leroy Merlin, Bricofer, Tecnomat, OBI |
| Bargain home goods | Action |
| Furniture & decor | IKEA, Mondo Convenienza |
| Department stores | Rinascente, Coin, UPIM |
| Gourmet food/market hall | Eataly |
| Sport & outdoor gear | Decathlon |
| Order online/ship to Italy | Amazon.it, eBay.it |
Traveler Tips for Stress-Free Shopping in Italy
- Store hours vary: Many large supermarkets and hypermarkets now open every day, but some local stores close midday or for holidays.
- Most staff speak basic English, but having a translation app can help with more detailed questions.
- Sale signs: “Offerte” or “Sconto” means a discount, and “SaldI” is the big seasonal sale.
- Always check the returns policy if you’re unsure about a purchase, especially on higher-priced items.
- For VAT refunds, some department stores and chains offer dedicated tax-free desks for travelers, just ask!
Whether you’re new to shopping in Italy or looking for the best stores to match your favorites back home, you’re sure to find everything you need, food, fashion, homewares, souvenirs, and more. Don’t forget to check Italy on Foot for more local tips to make your Italian adventures smooth and memorable!