Confesercenti launches initiative to support neighborhood shops

Confesercenti has launched a national signature collection campaign to support a proposed law aimed at revitalizing neighborhood shops and local services. The initiative, titled “Measures for the urban regeneration of commerce and proximity services,” seeks to combat commercial desertification in city centers and rural areas.

The proposal includes several key measures: the establishment of a dedicated commerce fund for the next three years, tax incentives, and the allocation of resources from the web tax to support small and medium-sized enterprises. A central component of the plan is the creation of “Proximity Economic Zones” (ZESPro), which would offer simplified administrative procedures and financial support to help existing businesses remain and new ones emerge.

Local government support has already emerged, with the Mayor of Forlì, Gian Luca Zattini, signing the proposal to urge national political intervention. Proponents argue that these shops are essential not only for the economy but also for social cohesion and the livability of urban and historic centers.