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June 19 , 2025
In many regions of China, there are wholesale markets, such as Guangzhou leather bag markets, which are stores with a large number of leather products and are gathering places for manufacturers and suppliers. In Italy, however, there is no single, clearly defined traditional “leather bag market”, which is like a large and centralized marketplace.
There are many small workshops or factories of high-quality leather in Italy, but they are not clustered in large numbers in one market to open stores to attract buyers.
The leather bag market in Florence is a well-known place for high-quality leather goods. Florence has a long history of leather craftsmanship. You can find many wholesalers and showrooms of leather products, especially in areas like the SAN Croce District.
Today let’s learn about the leather bag market in Florence together.
Florence is the center of Italy’s luxury leather industry, renowned for its artisan workshops, historic tanneries and high-end craftsmanship. This city is home to family-owned iconic brands, family-run studios, and the renowned Saint Cross Leather district, where traditional techniques satisfy modern luxury goods.
Handcrafted and plant-tanned leather: environmentally friendly and durable.
Luxury goods and custom production: small batch, high quality.
A powerful legacy: A centuries-old tanning tradition.
Time-honored craftsmanship: The leather industry in Florence can be traced back to the Middle Ages. The artisans of this city are renowned for producing high-quality leather goods, using traditional techniques passed down from generation to generation. This craftsmanship is the main selling point of many handbags and accessories.
Florence has been engaged in the leather industry since the 13th century, when leather manufacturers were born in 1282.
The original leather processing area was located near St. Catholic Square and the Old Palace, where a small stream flowed. However, with the completion of the Uffizi Gallery, the tannery was moved to a more remote area, closer to the SAN Croce district. In fact, even today we can still find some street names here, which are closely related to the leather industry at that time, such as “via delle Conce” and “via dei Conciatori”. These streets were formerly known as the “via dei Bucciai” (referring to those who produced higher-quality leather) and the “via dei Pelacani”.
Until the 1950s, leather workshops and drainage ditches flowing into the Arno River were still preserved here.
Nowadays, leather production in Florence is mainly concentrated in the leather area. Especially Ponte a Egola, Castelfranco di Sotto, Santa Croce sull’Arno and Fucecchio (about an hour’s drive from Florence). These regions have become important references for global leather and raw hides production. While inheriting the traditions of ancient Tuscan tanneries, they also take into account humanity, ecological sustainability and the environment.
Florence is renowned for its leather craftsmanship, and many of its products are made using traditional techniques. Leather products here are usually classified by quality, and different quality levels are indicated by terms such as “whole grain”, “coarse grain” and “genuine leather”.
This is the ultimate among top-quality leathers, which means the surface of the leather is unpolished and retains the uniqueness of animal skin, including pores, scars and blemishes. Full-grain leather is highly sought after for its soft texture, durability and natural leather scent. Over time, it will also develop a beautiful luster.
This is the second best grade of leather. It uses full-grain leather, sandes to remove flaws, then imprints imitation grain on it, and then undergoes processing and coloring to make its appearance uniform. It is not as durable as full-grain leather, but it is stain-resistant and has bright colors. If you want to purchase a high-quality leather bag in Florence, then this grade is your best choice.
Genuine leather is taken from the lower half of cowhide and has no texture. However, it can still maintain a beautiful and rich color, a soft touch, and retain the smell of leather. The belts and bags printed with the words “genuine leather” in the shopping mall are the lowest quality genuine leather products.
Bonded leather is made from all the scraps left over from the leather-making process, such as leather powder and wood shavings, and then pressed together with a mixture of glue, dyes and chemicals. This is obvious because it smells like a chemical odor rather than real leather.
If your bag business mainly deals with high-end products, then you should look for products made of high-quality leather and be cautious of overly cheap ones, as they may be of lower quality or made of fake leather. Of course, for ordinary buyers, some leather stores also offer customization services, allowing you to create unique leather bags according to your own preferences.
How can one determine if it is a genuine leather product? Pay attention to check on the product to see if there is a seal or label indicating the material and origin of the product.
The SAN Lorenzo Market is the most popular leather market in Florence. It is the outdoor part of the Mercato Centrale, a bustling outdoor market where you can find all kinds of leather goods, including bags, wallets and belts. You can also find small souvenirs such as notebooks and purse. But be careful of counterfeit or low-quality products.
Opening hours of the Florence Leather Market: From 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day, except Monday and Sunday.
The Mercato del Porcellino (Mercato Nuovo) is just a few steps away from the old bridge (Ponte Vecchio). It is affectionately called “Mercato del Porcellino” to avoid confusion with the “Old Market” in Piazza della Signoria. Mercato del Porcellino is covered with 16th-century loggia and is smaller in scale than the SAN Lorenzo Market, but you can find many similar goods here.
Market Opening Hours: 9am to 6:30pm everyday
This area is famous for leather workshops and shops. You can find handmade leather bags, jackets and accessories. Many stores offer customization services, allowing you to personalize and customize.
Both sides of this street are lined with luxury boutiques, including renowned Italian brands such as Gucci, Prada and Salvatore Ferragamo. Although these are not traditional wholesale markets, they offer high-end leather bags at retail prices.
Although the leather market is open all year round, the best time to visit can be chosen according to your own situation:
Peak season (June to August) : It is expected that the flow of people will be more vigorous and the prices may also be higher. However, the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor shopping.
Shoulder season (April to May and September to October) : The weather is better in these months, there are fewer tourists, and more favorable prices may be offered.
Off-season (November to March) : There are few people, and you may find good quality and low-priced goods. However, some stores may shorten their business hours, and the weather may not be very good either.
Unlike some other cities, Florence is not mainly a wholesale market, but many leather goods manufacturers and workshops both inside and outside the city (such as in Scandicci, known as the “Leather Valley”) do offer wholesale options and you can also customize your products with them.
These leather product manufacturers usually supply luxury brands and may also sell directly. If you are looking for a manufacturer to customize products for your leather bag business, you might as well talk to them about cooperation.
The leather bags in Florence have emerged in various styles, ranging from traditional classics and minimalism to fashion and art. Some common styles include handbags, tote bags, shoulder bags and crossbody bags, etc.
Craftsmen in Florence often offer customization services. Whether you are customizing in bulk or for individual leather bags, they can manufacture products that meet your needs according to your requirements.
Bad and disrespected
I went to the leather market with my family (my husband and teenage children) as well as my parents-in-law. The vendors were very aggressive and rude in attitude. Although I told them I was just looking, they still kept stopping me. I happened to come across a small wallet and asked Vendor 1 for the price. He offered 55 euros, but the same wallet was sold for only 25 euros at Vendor 2. After that, I asked for a slightly larger wallet. The price dropped from 80 euros to 35 euros. Finally, I decided to leave with my family. Vendor 3 opposite Vendor 2 stopped me, insisting that they could offer me a more favorable price, but their quote was higher. The vendor kept asking me if I had any questions. I took this as harassment, said to them, “No, thank you,” and then walked away. At this moment, one of the vendors shouted loudly at us, “Bastard Americans!” You are all jerks!
These vendors behaved badly in front of my family, especially my children. This will be my first and last time to visit this market.
I have experienced better prices and a better experience at the vendors outside the cathedral and church. The seller respects me very much.
Big leather market
It’s a great market. The vendors are a bit aggressive. You have to let them know that you’re just looking.
I bought two beautiful handbags and a lovely belt. I left very satisfied.
Be prepared to bargain. If the price doesn’t reach the level you are willing to pay, leave quickly.
Leather production in Florence combines tradition, luxury and exquisite craftsmanship. With a long-standing tradition and an unwavering pursuit of innovation, Florence has always been a benchmark in the leather goods industry, and its products best reflect the outstanding quality of “Made in Italy”.
For wholesale buyers or entrepreneurs looking for leather goods manufacturers, the Saint Cross Tannery and Trade Fair is an important area. If you want to customize high-end leather bags, in addition to choosing Italian manufacturers, you can also consider Chinese leather bag manufacturers such as Gionar.
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