Irpinia and Sannio face commercial desertification as thousands of businesses close

A report by the Centro Studi di Unimpresa Irpinia Sannio reveals a significant decline in commercial activities and essential services within the Italian provinces of Avellino and Benevento between 2019 and 2025.

According to the dossier, 3,081 businesses have closed during this six-year period, including 1,730 in Avellino and 1,351 in Benevento. This trend has resulted in a loss of 257 million euros in local consumption. The study highlights that 75 municipalities across the Irpinia and Sannio regions have lost at least one basic commercial service, such as grocery stores, bars, or artisan workshops.

Researchers identify several cumulative factors driving this structural economic shift, including population decline, rising energy and management costs, and the migration of consumer spending toward digital platforms and external commercial hubs. The loss of these proximity services is noted for its impact on social cohesion, mobility, and the quality of life for elderly residents in smaller communities.