Shops in Milan

For designer clothing lovers, this factory store in Mendriso is a shopping heaven. There are all the major designer brands - Armani, Burberry, Fendi, Calvin Klein, D&G and more - under one roof, with discounts of up to 70%. Perfect!

This department store, where Giorgio Armani began his fashion career, sits on the Piazza Duomo and is probably the most famous in Milan. Over eight floors, it stocks everything from fashion to food, has a design supermarket, and an incredible view of the Duomo from the cafe on the top floor.

This lighting store houses collections of the most up-to-date contemporary lighting designs and is well worth a visit to browse. The company was formed to cement the idea of three architects, Riccardo Sarfatti, Paolo Rizzatto and Sandra Severi, who wished to consolidate the experience developed during their long-standing collaboration with Gino Sarfatti, founder of the Arteluce lighting company. Passion for design and entrepreneurial courage, is a Luceplan commitment, with a considerable investment in production.

The Bialetti hobtop espresso maker is known the world over and its main factory is here in Omegna in the Italian Lakes. There is a good outlet store offering discounts of up to 50% on their extensive cookware product range.

Omegna is home to the famous "Factories of Italian Design", Alessi, and in nearby Crusinallo, there is an Alessi outlet store offering all of its iconic cookware at significantly discounted prices.