As Christmas approaches, the holiday shopping season in Brescia enters its most intense phase. According to a survey conducted by IPSOS for Confesercenti, just a week before the holiday, over 53% of Italians have yet to complete their purchases. On average, residents of Brescia plan to spend 225 euros per person, with a total estimated expenditure of 191 million euros in the province. The most popular gifts include clothing and accessories (47%), cosmetics (42%), and toys (37%). Furthermore, 61% of shoppers intend to buy in physical stores, highlighting a return to local commerce.
Families are being cautious in their spending choices, reflecting a climate of economic uncertainty. Barbara Quaresmini, president of Confesercenti of Eastern Lombardy, emphasizes that the thirteenth-month salary is influencing purchasing decisions; those who receive it expect to spend around 270 euros on gifts. There is a growing focus on neighborhood shops, indicating a positive trend towards supporting local businesses and fostering social interactions in urban centers during this festive season.