This is the most beautiful Zara in the world
I was in Rome this weekend, and besides visiting churches and museums (really), I also had to sniff out some contemporary culture. Read: shopping. Read: Zara. Now, there are probably people who think: a Zara, you have that in your own city too, right? But it's not that simple, because one Zara is not the same as another, and the one in Rome is, just like the churches and museums, a true pilgrimage site. I think it's the most beautiful Zara I've ever been to, and there are several reasons for that.
What makes the Zara store in Rome so special?
The store is located on Via del Corso, in Palazzo Bocconi, a neo-Renaissance building designed by Giulio De Angelis in 1887. With all that glass and steel, it was far ahead of its time. Previously, La Rinascente was here, a fantastic department store that once belonged to the Agnelli family. Zara took over the building in 2010, and La Rinascente moved to Via del Tritone. By the way, that's also worth a visit, as it's a really beautiful department store where you can find the most exclusive perfumes, for example. But back to Zara. After a five-month renovation, the store reopened in May, and the result is a celebration. I was there neatly at five to ten, just before the opening, and there were already at least twenty people eagerly waiting at the door. The building is tall (no drop ceilings here), with windows on all sides, making it wonderfully bright, and the beautiful wooden stairs make it a pleasure to walk through. The interior is divided into a series of interconnected rooms, each with its own atmosphere, featuring beautiful materials, custom furniture, and carefully chosen antique pieces. It's organized, the racks aren't overflowing, and everything exudes an effortless, chic, and understated atmosphere. And all of that spread over five floors full of delights.
Why are the fitting rooms so nice?
To start with, there are many of them, and that's a good thing, because a visit to this Zara is pretty much on just as many bucket lists as the Sistine Chapel. What I also found very nice is that there is a clear number above your fitting room. That's handy if your shopping companion goes to get that one pair of jeans in a different size for you, because then she won't accidentally walk into the wrong fitting room. The curtain that serves as a door closes with strong magnets against the wall of the fitting room. This way, you have no visibility and you don't have to struggle with a curtain that hangs neatly on one side and leaves a gap on the other. And as soon as the magnet makes contact with the wall, the light above your fitting room goes out, so everyone knows it's occupied. als de Sixtijnse Kapel. Wat ik ook heel fijn vond, is dat er een duidelijk nummer boven je paskamer hangt. Dat is handig als je shopgenoot die ene jeans even in een andere maat voor je gaat halen, want dan loopt ze in ieder geval niet de verkeerde paskamer binnen. Het gordijn dat als deur dienstdoet, sluit met stevige magneten aan de wand van de paskamer. Daardoor heb je geen inkijk en sta je niet te hannesen met zo’n gordijn dat links keurig hangt en rechts weer een spleet laat zien. En zodra de magneet contact maakt met de wand, gaat het lampje boven jouw paskamer uit, zodat iedereen weet dat hij bezet is. Want to find more nice fitting rooms in the Netherlands? Here you go.
How do the cash registers work in this Zara?
There are many of them, and they are beautifully integrated into a wooden wall unit. It's also ideal that you only need to place your items in the self-scan bin these days. I know this isn't unique to this branch, but it's still wonderful. Additionally, you can complete your online purchases via screens in the store, return items, pick up what you ordered online within two hours, and see directly in the app if something is in stock. About 300 employees are walking around to help you.
What can you only buy in the Zara in Rome?
And then the best news for those who like to take home a souvenir that isn't a fridge magnet. The store sells a special capsule collection for women and children labeled “Roma Palazzo Bocconi.” You won't find that anywhere else, which makes it much easier to convince yourself that you really need that one jacket.
Where do the men shop?
They don't have to sit bored on a bench waiting, because Zara Man is located in Palazzo Verospi, a former bank building right across the street. Everyone is happy then.
When is the best time to visit the Zara in Rome?
Because half of Rome and half (I think more like three-quarters) of all tourists have this store on their list, it's smart to go early on a weekday morning. Especially during sales, it can get quite busy. Then you have the fitting rooms, those beautiful stairs, and that soft Roman light almost to yourself. I was there just before opening and had a wonderful shopping experience with my daughter. The haul: two perfect pairs of jeans, and as a treat, a jacket from JW Anderson at Uniqlo. Want my favorite addresses in Rome? Voilà!
