Italy's retail stores drop 14% while turnover climbs 26%

A Confcommercio report shows that between 2018 and 2025 the number of retail outlets in Italy fell from 666,479 to 570,313, a reduction of about 14.4% (roughly 96,000‑99,000 fewer stores). The decline was strongest among street vendors (‑27.3%) and small food shops (‑17.9%).

Despite the loss of physical points of sale, total sector turnover rose from €326.8 billion to €410.7 billion, an increase of 25.7%, and revenue per employee grew from €172,000 to €220,000 (+27.9%). Productivity of retail labour improved by 61% over three decades, outpacing services and the broader economy. The share of capital‑stock companies rose to 17.4%, and fast‑growing segments include discount retailers (+101.1% turnover) and e‑commerce (+41.9%). Employment fell only slightly, from 1.905 million to 1.871 million (‑1.8%).

Officials warned of “urban desertification” as the physical presence of shops recedes, potentially undermining neighbourhood cohesion. President of Confcommercio Carlo Sangalli and Minister of Enterprises and Made‑in‑Italy Adolfo Urso called for policies that treat commerce as essential infrastructure, reduce bureaucracy and support sustainable investment. They also highlighted criminal losses exceeding €41 billion in 2025, threatening more than 284,000 regular jobs.