Recently, the national assembly of Confesercenti took place in Rome, an event that highlighted the alarming figures of the economic crisis affecting local businesses. The gathering, which featured prominent figures such as President Sergio Mattarella and Pope Francis, presented concerning data on the decline of small commercial activities. Specifically, since 2014, there has been a significant closure of shops in small towns, with sectors like clothing and catering experiencing losses of up to 52%. The situation is further exacerbated by the increasing competition from digital commerce, which saw a surge in deliveries in 2023.
The debate focused on the challenges faced by local shops and the proposals to support these vital business entities for local communities. National President Patrizia De Luise suggested measures such as a flat tax to encourage new openings in disadvantaged areas and the introduction of a web tax on large online operators. The assembly emphasized the importance of local commerce not only as an economic engine but also as an essential social safeguard for the safety and cohesion of communities.
