Sicily street vendors face steep decline, association urges regional strategy

Between 2022 and 2025 street‑vending businesses in Sicily recorded a sharp contraction, with 5,874 closures and a net loss of 2,811 enterprises. The total number of active vendors fell from 18,130 in 2022 to 15,319 by the end of 2025, meaning more than 2,800 shops vanished.

Confimprese Sicilia, the regional merchants’ association, sent a letter to regional Minister for Productive Activities Edy Tamò, requesting an urgent dialogue and a comprehensive strategy to sustain public‑area markets. The appeal cites law 27 December 2023 n. 206, which recognises the social and cultural role of local markets, and asks for clarity on funding allocated by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made‑in‑Italy. The association stresses that the closures affect families and territories that rely on the sector for livelihood.

The call aims to shape a policy response that addresses changing consumer habits, the rise of e‑commerce, and the evolving distribution model of street commerce.