Style Itinerary: FoxTown Outlet in Switzerland Neighbors Italy’s Lake Como
By The JetShopper | February 21, 2011
Style Itinerary: Como, ITALY & Mendrisio, SWITZERLAND
With fellow JetShoppers Jerry and Damon in town from Hong Kong, I decided to continue on my Italy shopping posts. Of the Italian cities I’ve visited, I enjoy shopping in Milan the most. You can go from the flagship Prada store in the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele (approaching its 100 year anniversary in 2013) that sells exclusive items not sold anywhere else, to stores like Il Salvagente that sells carefully selected luxury stock from previous seasons.
At the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan
But, my favorite thing to do in Milan is take an hour-long trip to Mendriso, Switzerland where the FoxTown Factory Stores are located. You can easily spend a full day checking out the over 130 stores, but the best thing about this outlet is its proximity to one of the most beautiful resort towns – Lake Como.
On my third trip to Milan I decided to finally check out FoxTown. The rising Euro was making my shopping more expensive in Europe. But, since this Swiss border town uses the Swiss Franc (which is usually just a few cents above or below the dollar), I decided to make a day trip to the outlet.
Transportation
Train from Milan to FoxTown – Approx. 20 minutes
- Take a train from Milan to Chiasso (www.trenitalia.it)
- Catch Number #13 bus to Mendrisio
- Exit at Mendrisio-FoxTown
Shuttle Bus from Milan Airport to FoxTown
- From Milan Malpensa airport there are shuttle buses organized by Starbus
17 Comments
Val on June 22, 2011 at 6:42 am.
Hi Jetshopper, wondering if you have been to the Chic Shopping Outlets in Europe and how these compare to the variety and price at Foxtown? I only have time for one outlet so I have to choose between Foxtown and a Chic Shopping Outlet on my upcoming trip. Thanks!
The JetShopper on July 6, 2011 at 10:56 am.
Hi Val,
Sorry for the delay! I’ve actually never been to any of the 9 Chic Outlet Shopping Villages in Europe, so I can’t speak on the selection or brands you’d find there. However, the great thing about Foxtown is that it’s the only outlet in Europe to use the Swiss Franc – saving you lots of $$$ on your purchases after the conversion rate.
Happy Shopping!
The JetShopper
Gilan on October 9, 2011 at 1:46 am.
Do Non-European get refund for the shopping Taxes in FoxTown Outlet? How it is done if leaving from Italy?
The JetShopper on October 14, 2011 at 10:52 am.
Hi Gilan,
Thank you for your question and I apologize for the delay — shopping in Hong Kong is exhausting!
To better answer your question it would be helpful if you could confirm a few things. Are you a US citizen? Will you be leaving Switzerland for Italy?
When I left Mendrisio for Milan, I dropped my stamped detax envelope in a post box at the train station. If you get there before the late afternoon there should be someone on duty who will help to guide you to the post box and answer any questions. Once your detax request is reviewed your credit card will be refunded with the tax (probably within 1-2 months).
Hope that helps! Happy Shopping!
morteza on March 11, 2012 at 4:31 am.
Dear Sir/Madam ,
we are a group of 22 people .we are in Italy for visiting Fiera Milano Exhibition Centre in Rho on March 28th till 30th.
So we need a bus/minibus for a one way tranfser from our hotel in Como near the lake to Fiera Milano Exhibition Centre in Rho for three days from 28th March at 8:00 a.m to March 30st.
could you please give me your best rate for it ?
our pick up address is :
- Hotel Barchetta Excelsior ( Piazza Camillo Benso Conte di Cavour, 1 – 22100 Como , Italy )
I’m waiting for your kind reply.
Thanks,
Morteza
The JetShopper on April 2, 2012 at 11:46 am.
Dear Morteza,
I apologize for the delay and hope you had an amazing time in Como!
This blog is a reference for traveling shoppers looking for advice and inspiration. As this is not a travel agent or booking site, we would not be able to assist with travel reservations.
Hope you’ve found the blog helpful and please feel free to post comments about your trip!
Panos on March 15, 2012 at 12:25 pm.
Hello Jetshopper! I am thinking of going first to lake como and then foxtown from milan the same day. From como which is the best way to approach the outlet?
Thanks
The JetShopper on April 2, 2012 at 11:52 am.
Hello Panos,
When I went to Foxtown, I took the bus from Milan and got off in Mendrisio, Switzerland. The bus stopped right inside the outlets, and when we were ready to leave we took a cab straight to Como.
If you’re coming from Como, the most direct way to get to Foxtown would probably be a cab.
Have a great trip and please feel free to post any tips in the comments section.
Bon voyage!
The JetShopper
Theresa on April 13, 2012 at 4:37 pm.
Hey just wondering which outlet mall did u prefer, and was more bang for buck… Serrevelle or Foxtown.?
The JetShopper on June 22, 2012 at 6:00 pm.
Hi Theresa,
I apologize for the delay. Had some server issues, so I’m just now seeing your message!
Although I have not checked out Serravalle, Foxtown most likely has better deals since it’s located in the part of Switzerland that uses the Swiss Franc — not the Euro. With the Swiss Franc roughly the same as the US Dollar (use my Currency Converter or a site like xe.com to check rates) you’ll get to buy more Prada if you go to Foxtown
Let me know what you think!
Happy Shopping!
marilena on June 12, 2012 at 6:06 am.
i wish to visit fox town and from milano via train . they told me its too difficult as i have to use two different trains and a mixt up could take place and get lost as not a lot speack english.
Can you give me detail instruction how to reach mendriso via train from Centrale station ?
I would appreciate if you could answer today as i am leaving tomorrow !!
Grace on July 17, 2012 at 12:39 am.
My family and I will be visiting Milan in two weeks time. We are contemplating whether to go to foxtown to shop or to shop at the shops in Milan itself i.e. Il Salvagente or corso buenos Aires. What is your advice?
Could I be able to visit Lake como then shop at foxtown?
sang on September 18, 2012 at 11:16 pm.
does anyone know if i drive to foxtown form milano, and head back in the same day, where can i get tax refund, at somewhere in foxtwon or when i leave italy? i’m a chinese passport holder.
your reply will be highly appreciated!
Ann on September 20, 2012 at 9:02 am.
Hi Jetshopper
have you been to any other outlets in Italy i.e. the mall outlet or prada space outlet in florence? I am from singapore so not sure which currency will be more worth it – euros or swiss franc for shopping? sounds abit weird that the italian prada will be ‘cheaper’ from fox town in switzerland?
thanks for sharing
Lola on June 3, 2013 at 12:28 pm.
What months are the best for deals in FOXTOWN?
The JetShopper on June 21, 2011 at 11:31 am.
Dear Mona,
The address for Foxtown in Mendrisio, Switzerland is below. Happy Shopping!
Via A. Maspoli 18
6850 Mendrisio, Switzerland
+41 (0)848 828 888
mona on June 21, 2011 at 4:30 pm.
thanx so much.