Abruzzo is a region to the east of Rome, characterised by majestic mountain ranges, rugged coastline, charming medieval villages and vibrant city centres. When it comes to purchasing things for the home, shops such as Pescara, L’Aquila, Teramo and Chieti offer outstanding options to meet almost every shopper’s need and budget.
Department Stores
Department stores may not be the norm in Italy, but times are changing and Abruzzo is keeping step. Below are a few of the places where you can source high-quality cookware or stylish home décor.
Domorama was started in Tivoli by a street vendor of household goods and has grown to eight locations throughout Italy. The Pescara store on the city’s main thoroughfare, Via Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, sells everything from pots and pans and objects for the table to small appliances and shabby chic furniture. A wedding registry service is also available.
Bialetti has been producing Italy’s iconic Moka espresso maker for more than eighty years. As well as coffee machines, their chic concept store has all manner of up-market cookware, bakeware and small appliances for home and business. Located in the outskirts of Sanbuceto, at the popular industrial zone Val Pescara, the shop is open from 9am to 9:30pm, seven days a week.
IKEA is a destination unto itself where you can find nearly everything imaginable for home or office. Since the Swedish multinational company designs and sells its own brands of ready-to-assemble furnishing, kitchen appliances, bath furnishings and home accessories, you get quality at a great value. Their Abruzzo store is situated west of Pescara in the city of Chieti. It is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 8pm, and weekends from 10am to 9pm. Take a break in their friendly restaurant and coffee shop.
Casa in Avezzano on Via XX Settembre is a home furnishings and accessory retailer featuring a well-curated inventory at discount prices.
Leroy Merlin, a hardware superstore near Pescara airport, carries a good mix of home items for the kitchen and bath, in addition to lighting, outdoor seating and garden equipment.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen is a Danish company with stores all over world. Trendy to kitschy, objects are as fun as they are functional—everything you need for entertaining, decorating and gift giving are on offer, all at affordable prices. They’re in Pescara, Chieti and Teramo, and open daily from 9am to 9pm.
Buffetti is a cartoleria (stationary store) that also sells office furniture and computer paraphernalia. It has locations in Chieti, L’Aquila, Pescara, and Teramo.
La Fata sei Tu, a large warehouse dedicated to the sale of casalinghi (household goods) is located in the town of Atessa in Chieti. Well-organized corridors of shelves contain paper, plastic and aluminium products, as well as room scents, and eco-friendly cleaning products at a good price.
Euronics is where shoppers can choose from a wide selection of electrical equipment such as TVs, DVD players, computers and household electronics, in addition to small appliances, such as vacuum cleaners, irons, microwaves, toasters and more. There are three locations in the region: Manoppello Scalo, Treglio and San Giovanni Teatino.
Mercatino is a cooperative platform in which sellers post photos and descriptions of new and used products, allowing buyers to trade direct. More and more people are turning to online marketplaces as a source for new and vintage home goods because it’s a convenient and hassle-free way to shop. Most Mercatino vendors accept PayPal, offer shipping, and guarantee 100 percent returns on purchases.
Open-Air Markets
Those looking for a more traditional shopping experience should scope out open-air markets. Also known as farmers’ markets, these are where some of the best shopping in Italy happens.
Providing a glimpse of daily life from a local’s perspective, Abruzzian outdoor markets are a wonderful place to pick up a ceramic bean pot, an old espresso maker, linens, pretty aprons and quirky kitchen gadgets. Got your eye on a flower vase or a set of goblets? Don’t be afraid to speak up, as vendors are generally willing to bargain.
Insider tip: every town has their set market days, and depending on the population, there may even be two in a week. In larger metropolitan areas, neighbourhoods often host their own weekly or daily markets and have at least one, if not more, houseware stands. Do be careful to check items to make sure you’re buying Italian and not Chinese-made products
Market Schedules In Abruzzo
In Pescara, market day is on Monday, with a street flea market taking place every year in July.
There’s also a flea market in nearby Papoli during the month of August.
On Wednesday and Saturday mornings, a large market with a variety of stalls fills Sulmona’s central square. Be sure to set aside time to browse the city’s delightful flea market, which takes place in July, where you might just stumble upon a gem or two.
L’Aquila’s market takes place daily, but every second weekend of the month there’s also an antiques fair in the main square, Santa Maria di Paganica. It has a private exposition centre and a playground for children.
Teramo’s market day in Piazza della Liberta is Saturday.
The town of Catelli hosts a massive outdoor pottery market in July and August. Head there to purchase exquisite handmade ceramic pieces directly from the artisans at great prices.
Independent Shops
Most Italian towns have their share of charming, family-owned shops and artisanal boutiques. Abruzzo is no exception. If you’re seeking unusual or one-of-a-kind homewares, roaming downtown areas will certainly reap retail rewards.
Do keep in mind that although large department stores are usually open daily, smaller shops may be closed on Sundays. On top of that, many independent shops still observe the siesta tradition, closing at 12:30pm or 1:00pm and opening again at 3pm or 4pm.
Insider tip: if you’re someone who loves a good deal, plan to shop in January or July to take advantage of the saldi (seasonal sales)!
Supermarkets
Today, supermarkets often sell more than just fresh fruit and veg.
Ipercoop, a combination grocery store and department store, is part of the Coop consumer cooperative and is the largest supermarket chain in Italy. In San Giovanni Teatino, the store opens daily 9am to 9:30pm.
MD Spa Market in Roseto degli Abruzzi is a grocer with both food and homewares.
Have you lived in Abruzzo? Share your tips in the comments below, or answer the questions here to be featured in an interview!