Wikimecum:Project-related and Residential Shopping in Venice
Once you finally arrive in Venice, you'll probably realize that you forgot something from home that would be useful for your project, or perhaps would simply make daily life more convenient. This page lists some stores that stock household, electronic, and food items that may be of use to you during your term abroad.
Grocery Stores
1. Billa: Benefits include a wide variety, longer hours of operation (Billa has even been known to be open on Sundays!), generally lower prices (than Punto, for example). Disadvantages include long lines (always), crowds, and cashiers always demanding exact or near-exact change. Have a handful of coins ready when paying for your groceries!
2. Punto: Benefits (primarily for Arco residents) include a location nearby and a reasonable selection. You might, however, find yourself spending more money on items at Punto than you would at the Billa or Panorama.
3. Unnamed grocery store next to C'e Pizza: The key advantage to this store is its location (for Arco residents, at least). It's within a minute's walk from Arco, on your way to the Campo Bandiera e Moro. Pastas, rice, cereals, cookies, wines, juices, milk, and a small selection of cheeses, meats, and bread can be found here. This store is also useful for laundry detergent or last-minute cleaning supplies for the final apartment check before you leave Venice.
4. Co-op: There are several Co-ops to be found in Venice. Two Co-ops of particular interest are the ones located near the VPC (on your way to Fondamente Nove) and Ca' Corte.
5. Panorama: The selection and prices that can be found at Panorama rival those of the Billa. The only downfall is the considerable distance and time the journey to Panorama requires. (It's a 20-minute, free bus ride away on the mainland.) If you are on a multipurpose shopping trip to purchase groceries, clothes, household supplies, etc., you may want to select Panorama as your destination. It's like an Italian Wal-Mart (moreso in terms of selection than in overall prices, though). Items ranging from electronics (laptops, cell-phones, memory cards), power outlet adapters, and handsaws to stationery, blankets, and basketballs can be found here. Panorama is also located within a larger shopping outlet. Other stores in the area include WIND, a couple apparel stores, and a reasonably priced cafe.
Hardware Stores
1. Located close to Arco, facing the Campo Bandiera e Moro. 2. Located in the Campo SS. Apostoli.
Ask VPC staff for directions or assistance.
Miscellaneous Goods
1. Panorama (see discussion above) 2. The Euro Store: Located on the last stretch of the walk to the VPC from the Arco apartments, in the same campo as Take Away Pizza (Campiello Corner). While no food or electronics are sold here, The Euro Store can be useful for obtaining the miscellaneous items that would otherwise be found at Panorama -vbut for generally cheaper prices! Such items might include pie pans, hair-bands, shower curtains, notebooks, pens, plates, scissors, or garbage bags.