Luisa Via Roma
Complete VAT Refund Guide for Europe
Planning to shop at Luisa Via Roma in Europe? This comprehensive guide shows you exactly how to maximize your VAT refund savings, where to find Luisa Via Roma stores across Europe, and insider tips to get the most money back on your purchases.
About Luisa Via Roma
Founded in the late 1800s by French hat designer Luisa Jaquin in Paris, the boutique moved to Florence in 1929 when her daughter Olga married Lido Panconesi. They opened the LUISA boutique selling straw hats, and by 1968, nephew Andrea Panconesi revolutionized the family business by buying the Kenzo 1968/69 collection—a gamble that established Luisa Via Roma as a fashion innovator. Starting with Balenciaga, Balmain, Givenchy, and Saint Laurent, the store became Florence's premier luxury destination. In 1999, Luisa Via Roma launched its e-commerce platform, and by 2019, 90% of its $137 million revenue came from online sales—reaching nearly €400 million by 2023. In 2024, CEO Tommaso Maria Andorlini's Holding It acquired the business, enabling international expansion with the first non-Italian location opening on 1 Bond Street in Manhattan.
Signature Products & Prices
Valentino ready-to-wear
€800–€4,500
Fendi bags & accessories
€1,200–€6,000
J.W. Anderson collections
€400–€2,800
Balmain statement pieces
€1,500–€8,000
Manolo Blahnik shoes
€600–€1,200
Why Shop Luisa Via Roma in Europe?
Shopping at Luisa Via Roma in Florence offers up to 22% VAT refunds for non-EU residents on the same luxury brands sold online, but with the added benefit of trying pieces in person. The minimum €70.01 threshold is among the lowest in Europe, and Italy's refund rate (up to 15.5%) is higher than France or Spain.
Best Cities to Shop Luisa Via Roma
Florence
Historic flagship since 1930, Via Roma 19/21 with Duomo views
Why Shop Luisa Via Roma with TravelMoney
Up to 100% VAT Refunds
Get significantly more money back compared to standard 12% refunds
1 Luisa Via Roma Locations
Across 1 European cities
Instant Refunds
No waiting weeks for your money back
Digital Process
Upload receipts, scan at airport, done
Luisa Via Roma Store Locations in Europe
Florence
Luisa Via Roma
Via Roma 19/21/r, 50123 Florence, Italy
How Much Can You Save?
VAT Refund Examples
Purchase: €1,000 → Get back €120-150 (standard refund) or up to €180 (TravelMoney)
Purchase: €5,000 → Get back €600-750 (standard refund) or up to €900 (TravelMoney)
Purchase: €10,000 → Get back €1,200-1,500 (standard refund) or up to €1,800 (TravelMoney)
How to Get Your VAT Refund: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Before making a purchase
Request Custom Invoice
When checking out at Luisa Via Roma, request the invoice to be made out to "Travel Money" with our Paris address. This is critical for maximizing your refund.
Step 2: When making a purchase
Pay in Local Currency
Always choose to pay in euros (€) instead of your home currency to avoid poor exchange rates and maximize savings.
Step 3: After shopping
Upload Invoice & Receipt
Immediately upload your Luisa Via Roma invoice and receipt in the TravelMoney app. Don't wait until you get to the airport.
Step 4: When leaving the EU
Scan Barcode at Point of Departure
At the airport, port, or train station, scan the barcode on your TravelMoney app at customs. Bring your Luisa Via Roma purchase in carry-on for potential inspection.
VAT Refund Essentials
Core Requirements
- Minimum Spend: €70.01 in total purchase value
- Eligibility: Non-EU permanent residents, under 6-month stay, purchasing goods for personal use
- Time limits: 3 months to validate at point of departure + 6 months to claim refund
- VAT Rate: 22% standard rate (most luxury goods)
Pro Tips for Luisa Via Roma Shoppers
- →Shop during January and July sales seasons for excellent deals on luxury items—Florence's traditional sale periods
- →Request personal shopping services in the Luisa Via Roma suite with views of the Duomo for an exclusive experience
- →Visit "La Terrazza di Luisa" on the rooftop—outdoor terrace restaurant serving organic dishes between shopping
- →The store carries 600 luxury brands across three floors, mixing established designers with emerging avant-garde labels
- →Check the Via Roma outlet in the Sant'Ambrogio area of Florence for discounted pieces
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get VAT refund on Luisa Via Roma online purchases?
No. VAT refunds are only available for in-store purchases made in Europe. Online orders shipped internationally are already VAT-exempt.
Do I need to show my Luisa Via Roma purchase at customs?
High-value items (typically over €1,000) may require physical inspection at customs. Keep your purchase in carry-on luggage, not checked bags.
What if I'm connecting through a non-EU airport?
You must validate your VAT refund at your last EU point of departure, not your final destination. For example, if flying Paris → London → New York, validate in Paris.
How long does it take to get my refund?
With TravelMoney, refunds are processed instantly once validated at customs. Standard tax-free services can take 4-12 weeks.
For Shoppers
Get up to 100% VAT refunds on your Luisa Via Roma shopping. Join the waitlist for instant refunds.
For Merchants
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