Our new incognito visit focuses on the symbolic place of Milanese shopping: the Rinascente. Founded between the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century, it is located in the heart of the city, between the Duomo and the prestigious shopping streets.
Surrounded by elegant historic buildings and fascinating boutiques, it represents an essential stop for anyone walking in the center of Milan. La Rinascente – which owes its name to Gabriele D’annunzio – stands out for its elegant façade under the porticoes of Piazza Duomo, with entrances also in Via Santa Radegonda 10 and Via San Raffaele. The interior is refined and bright, distributed over ten floors hosting luxury clothing, accessories, design and gastronomy, culminating in the panoramic terrace overlooking the Duomo.
It can be easily reached via the M1, M3 or new M4 metro lines, getting off at the Duomo or San Babila stops; There is also a car park in Via Agnello 13. Our visit will end with a decisive evaluation on a scale of votes between 4 (not at all satisfied) and 9 (definitely satisfied).
RINASCENTE – PIAZZA DUOMO – MILAN
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 2 – 3.00 PM
The sixth floor of the historic department store is entirely dedicated to the home, where famous brands present their products. The home department is accessed via escalators or a practical lift, which connect all sections of the department store. Inside, the arrangement of the items is divided by brand and category: areas dedicated to bed linen, room fragrances, the kitchen (small appliances, pots, etc.) and accessories for the most varied household needs: from the most precious table services to towels and bathrobes for the bathroom.
We go to the area focused on the kitchen, where there are different types of pots, pans and woks. We ask a sales assistant, busy arranging some boxes, if the Staub pan we are interested in can also be used on an induction hob and for which types of cooking it is suitable. She answers us very cordially, immediately proving to be prepared and competent in her work. Subsequently, we intend to ask some questions regarding a small Smeg appliance, however, in some areas of the store and only at certain times, there are no staff available for clarification because they are busy in other areas.
After this first experience, we move towards home fragrances, also arranged by colors and brands, such as WoodWick, Yankee Candle and Maison Berger. We ask a sales assistant to recommend a calming and relaxing bedroom fragrance. The very helpful employee promptly shows us various types of Maison Berger aromatherapy diffusers, specifying that they are made with willow sticks. We also ask her if candles with the same effects are available and she offers us some fragrances from the WoodWick brand, satisfying our request in this case too.
In the areas dedicated to various types of accessories you can find sets for any taste: Japanese-inspired or extremely colorful ceramics, glasses, wine glasses and decorated shot glasses, cocktail kits or tea sets, all carefully cleaned and polished. The areas reserved for bed linen are well stocked and the colors recall the relaxation of this environment: warm and enveloping or dark and soporific. Here, a bed reigns supreme as the protagonist of the entire sector, showcasing sheets and pillowcases.
Notes: The sixth floor of the Rinascente is easily accessible even by people with ambulatory difficulties, thanks to the lift. The staff is kind and polite, but perhaps small considering the number of customers and the size of the department. The atmosphere is relaxing and pleasant, everything is within sight and the spaces are bright and spacious, allowing you to walk comfortably without colliding with other people.
Hospitality, atmosphere and helpfulness of the staff: 9
Exposure and variety of collections: 9
Quality/price ratio: 9
Advised.
