Online sales on the rise: the future of commerce in Riva del Garda

This autumn is set to be challenging for shops in Riva del Garda, as sales continue to decline. According to a report by Confesercenti, September saw a decrease of -0.4% compared to the previous year, while the sales volume experienced a drop of -2.3%. In contrast, online commerce is experiencing a growth period, with an increase of +7.3%, highlighting consumers’ growing preference for online sales. This trend could lead to e-commerce sales surpassing those of local shops within three years. The situation is exacerbated by the tax pressure on small retailers, who are struggling in comparison to large digital operators. Confesercenti suggests the introduction of a fairer tax system for e-commerce giants, allocating part of the revenues to a fund to support local commerce and promote local economic development. With the value of online sales reaching 40 billion euros in Italy, it is crucial to adopt effective measures to protect small businesses and ensure the vitality of local communities. Italian Version