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I LOVE “Learning with Locals” and today I’m going to introduce you to Nino. Join me in his boutique shoe shop, Goccia, in historical Florence…

♦ Let’s Enjoy Some “sole food” with Nino!
It has been a difficult year for Italy and particularly for boutique artisans and shops. Since that is one of the many things that we love about Italy, it’s one of the reasons I want to share Nino’s story and why I love supporting locals whose commitment and enthusiasm remain undeterred…

♦ For the Love of Beauty…
Made in Italy has a cachet to it, no doubt about it. Italian design, style and quality are universally admired and, predictably, imitated. (I won’t go down the “knock off” road!)
Trendsetting, inspired, avant-garde, visionary, original, and simply eye popping chic!

Simply put; Italy = art = beauty and the love of beauty permeates the Italian lifestyle. And I do mean in all things, it’s a way of life that is certainly reflected in la bella figura – loosely defined as how you present yourself to the world and always putting your best foot forward??? And that brings me to Nino…

♦ Meet Nino
I met Nino via my two friends from Prontopia, Jodi and Caroline. We were talking about shoes (because it’s a weakness of mine & I LOVE Italian shoes) and they both looked at each other and said, “we have to introduce her to Nino.”  They described his shop to me and the next time I was in the neighborhood, when I saw the shop window, I knew it had to be Nino’s and I was right.

I was practically drooling at his window display and, being congenial and friendly, he invited me in. I told him about being referred by mutual friends and we spent the next hour (or more?) talking about his boutique shop, his absolutely gorgeous hand made shoes, and his love and passion for what he does.

I knew right then and there that I wanted to do a “Learning with Locals” featuring Nino so I stopped by again, we made a date, and here we go…

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♦ Let’s Step Inside…
There’s so much I want to share about Nino but most of all I want to share his warm and enthusiastic personality which is fueled by his love, passion, and dedication to his family tradition, his fellow artisans, his city, his country, and to his customers.

–>>MOVIE: Nino Tells Me About These Gorgeous Ladies Boots <<–

♦ About Goccia
Goccia, the name, what does it mean? Goccia (pronounced go-cha) is a small drop. And Goccia is a small boutique, a drop, that is pure, authentic Tuscan. Small but exceptional. Hence the charming logo…

–>>MOVIE: Nino Tells Us About the Goccia Logo! <<–

♦ Family Tradition
As if so often the case in Italy, fine craftsmanship is handed down and taught from generation to generation. Nino is no exception. He is third generation and came to the business as a young man in 1998.

♦ Hand Made in Italy = Passion + Heart
When I asked Nino what makes his shoes different, I received (and you will, too) an enlightening education about shoes.

You probably already know that Florence is famous for leather goods. And there’s a reason for this. Traditionally, quality is never compromised, pride in workmanship is still alive and well but you have to know what to look for and not be fooled by imposters. Learn and discern the difference.

Nino is committed to educating his clients. He shares that “Made in Italy” means high quality + high style + good price = a good investment! Nothing is sacrificed or compromised at Goccia: materials + workmanship + style/fashion + quality + comfort! And you’ll never be sorry when you invest in one or two pair of high quality shoes in classic Italian design made from the finest materials and workmanship available.

–>> MOVIE: Nino Describing Goccia’s Mens Shoes <<–

Nino sources the finest leather hides from all over the world – including calf, deer, buffalo, python, and ostrich. And this quality leather is used for the entire shoe, including the insoles so that your feet can breathe. When they are treated by Florentine experts, artisans born here, NO chemicals are used. And, did you know that good leather doesn’t smell like leather? That only means that it has been treated with chemicals and that is NOT good for the leather or, ultimately, for you!

–>>MOVIE: Nino Educates Us About the Quality of His Mens Shoes <<–

Each style has its own cut and shape. In other words, you won’t find different widths in the different sizes. Changing the widths changes the entire style. With over 40 styles for men and more than double that for women, how to choose?

♦ It’s About More than a Pair of Shoes
Nino isn’t there just to sell you a pair of shoes, his commitment is to educate and you will learn that you are buying more than just a pair of shoes. As you would with anything that is handmade, you are making an investment, an investment in arguably the most important item in your wardrobe, your shoes!

His generosity and sincerity results in loyal, repeat customers from all over the world and it’s no surprise because for Nino, customers are like family. In fact his philosophy is to always do more, give more than is expected.

The Spring Collection coming SOON! Oh MY! Those colors!!

Only recently online due to COVID, that doesn’t compromise the service and attention that you will receive!

For Nino, the ultimate satisfaction is always a happy customer.

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Nino manages two stores (within a few minutes walking distance from each other) and in the other store you can oooh and ahhhh over their chic jackets, handbags and much more.
They have a large loyal US-based clientele and do (in normal times) trunk shows in the US.

For more information, please visit Nino’s website:
Goccia Italian Shoes, Firenze
www.gocciashoes.com

Contact Nino:
info@gocciashoes.com
+39 055 282 335

It is one of my passions to meet and support locals so please mention that you read about Nino and Goccia here!

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♦ And when you come to Florence, we can visit Nino and so many other talented, passionate local artisans together!