Sneha T.
Yelp
La Rinascente by the Duomo in Milan is a large, high-end department store located right across the street from the Duomo (I think it's comparable to a Neiman Marcus, it sells mostly expensive brands.) Luxury shopping heaven! There are 7 floors plus the ground floor; the ground floor is mostly comprised of cosmetic and perfume counters. The 3rd and 4th floors are dedicated to women's clothing. There is also a floor for men's clothing/accessories and at least half a floor dedicated to women's shoes. The 1st and 2nd floors look like a mini luxury mall with small boutiques of all the major high-end brands (Gucci, Ferragamo, etc.) The prices seem to be the same as the stand alone retail stores (a pair of Ferragamo Varina flats were 460 Euros in La Rinascente and the same price in the Ferragamo store in Milan.) American brands are definitely more expensive there, I saw a Polo Ralph Lauren sweater for 135 Euros, yikes!
The 6th floor has a Global Blue office with about 4-5 machines that look like ATMs which can give you an automatic refund onto your credit card; they also have a few employees to help you in person. However, even if you get a refund on your La Rinascente/outside purchases there, you still need to get a customs stamp at the airport. Only seems helpful if you have purchases made outside of Italy (so instead of standing in both the customs and tax-return lines at the airport, you would eliminate having to stand in the tax-return line.) However, if you purchase something at La Rinascente and choose to get your tax refund back onto a La Rinascente gift card, they add 10% of the refund to the value of the gift card! Sweet deal if you plan on making a few big purchases.
The 7th floor has luxury food items (like a mini grocery store!) full of various balsamic vinegars, olive oils, biscotti, chocolates, and other wonderful gifts! There is also a Moet & Chandon bar (drinks were 12 Euros and up) and a huge dessert case filled with macarons, eclairs, and any other dessert your heart desires! Quite pricey though. There were small restaurants there as well.
If you are not from Italy you can sign up online for a free La Rinascente International Visitor's card, which gives you 10% off on purchases (excluding the high-end luxury brands and 7th floor food purchases.)
Restrooms are located on 4th and 7th floors and are FREE to use! A good place to stop after visiting the Duomo!