The bulk of non-food retail consumption in Italy comes from consumer electronics followed by clothing and footwear. According to www.statista.com “ In 2020 consumption value of non-food consumer goods in Italy reached a total of 93.5 billion euros … clothing and footwear were also very popular among italian consumers, totaling a value of over 16 billion euros” ( “Non-food consumer goods consumption value in Italy 2020, by category”, 2021). This already speaks volumes in terms of how much of Italy’s consumption is based around fashion and just clothing in general. Although the Italian retail market strives with the consumption of apparel items the country still faces struggles with the ongoing aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to www.bussinessinsider.com “Italy’s retail industry is amongst the hardest hit sectors by the coronavirus pandemic in Europe … High margin established luxury brands with e-commerce practices did stay afloat during the pandemic, but it was smaller family-run artisan enterprises within the fashion center that suffered the most” (“Italy’s devastated retail landscape”, 2020). This displays how small businesses suffered but the opportunity of online business is certainly on the rise and this is where the Retailers of Italia can truly take advantage and benefit.
Additionally online business has aided in the overall economic growth of Italy particularly by booming in more exported goods. According to www.ft.com “ Italy’s booming goods exports have become a key driver of the country’s economic recovery from last year’s historic recession, fueled by a rapid increase in businesses using digital technology” ( “Italy’s economy aided by businesses pushed online by pandemic”, 2021). Ultimately the pandemic has certainly hurt Italy’s retail market but online retailing can be considered the savior of modern business.
