Where to buy
Sammarinese shopping reads on three geographical levels. In the historic centre of the City the shop windows are small, dedicated to ceramics, leatherwork, numismatic productions and signature souvenirs. Along the SS72 expressway climbing from Rimini follow instead shopping centres and stores of electronics, perfumery and fashion. The third hub is in the valley, in the Castello of Borgo Maggiore and in Falciano, where the San Marino Outlet Experience concentrates over seventy designer clothing labels.
The Republic does not apply Italian VAT: in its place exists a single-stage tax (Monofase) collected on import, generally lower. As a consequence, the retail price of certain merchandise categories is lower than the Italian market. The sales calendar also follows local rules, with starts often anticipated by some weeks.
Sought-after categories
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01.
Clothing and footwear
Italian and international brands with prices often lower than Italian price lists. In the outlets are found new-season samples and stocks from previous collections.
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02.
Perfumery and cosmetics
One of the historically most convenient segments, with a wide assortment of major French houses and niche brands.
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03.
Electronics and photography
Small and large electronics, musical instruments, smartphones and accessories. The area along the SS72 concentrates the specialised chains.
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04.
Ceramics and wrought iron
Artisan production in the workshops of the historic centre and in some Castelli. Each piece is signed by the workshop of origin.
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05.
Coins and stamps
Philatelic and numismatic issues sold at the counter of the Philatelic and Numismatic Office and at authorised retailers. A chapter in itself for collectors.
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06.
Typical sweets
The Torta Tre Monti is the best-known product, with several artisan versions. Alongside are found torrone, bustrenghi and preserves of the local gastronomy.
The Mark and the SMAC
The Mark of Origin and Typicality was born in 1995 to distinguish the products effectively made with artisan processing on the territory of the Republic. It concerns both the food sector and the manufacturing and artistic ones. The label guarantees the buyer the authenticity of the piece and protects the Sammarinese workshops from imitations.
The San Marino Card, known as SMAC Card, is the loyalty circuit of local commerce. It offers buyers discounts that vary based on the merchant and accumulates points spendable in the territory. Born as a tool for residents, it is also accessible to visitors, with activation methods at the counters indicated in the rolling list.
Sales and seasons
Summer sales start in the last weeks of June or in early July, the winter ones between Christmas and Epiphany. Outlets practise discounts all year on the basis of seasonal rotations, with promotional days dedicated to Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Mother's Day.
| Period | Moment | Best segments |
|---|---|---|
| End of June to mid-August | Summer sales | Light clothing, footwear, swimwear |
| 27 December to end of February | Winter sales | Coats, leatherwork, men's and women's fashion |
| Last Friday of November | Black Friday | Electronics, major brands at the outlet |
| December | Christmas of Wonders | Crafts, typical sweets, themed gifts |
Indicative calendar · Confirm with individual merchants
«In the historic centre every shop window tells a craft. Under the porticoes one passes from ceramics to stationery, from embroidery to philately.»