Italy doesn't have any good hardware stores

Flathead here, in the final weeks of our Italian trip. I want a suction cup hook for keeping things off the nasty floors I'm anticipating in India (yes, this may be a prejudiced view....I'll let you know, honestly, if it turns out I've pre-judged this part of the sub-continent). Nobody has them. Have you ever tried to buy a suction cup hook in Italy? Do you know how difficult it is and what sounds and gestures one has to make to get the point across?? I've been threatened with arrest twice. On the flip side a guy in one store wanted me to come with him to the back room. Believe me, sketches don't help, either.