Commercial desertification hits Milan and Lombardy: 11 provinces see neighborhood retail in recession

The Confesercenti Lombardia Observatory reports a sharp decline in “neighbourhood commerce” across the region, with the retail proximity network contracting in 11 of 12 provinces—excluding the regional capital. The findings were presented at the recent regional assembly in Milan at Palazzo dei Giureconsulti, following the election of Barbara Quaresmini as regional president.

The report highlights nearly 4,000 square meters lost in proximity retail space over the past five years, alongside the expansion of large-scale retail (GDO) and difficulties in generational turnover. A structural staff shortage is affecting 46.9% of planned hires, while more than 100,000 local businesses have closed nationwide. Quaresmini, a Brescia-based entrepreneur, outlined proposals ranging from “proximity ZES” and strengthening Trade Districts to an advanced training school for tourism and hospitality, alongside a push for major bureaucratic simplification, noting that compliance currently absorbs about 3% of turnover.

Among the provincial figures cited, Sondrio has 37.7% of shops opened before 2000, while Lecco stands at 24.8%, Lodi at 23.6%, and Mantua at 21.8%. The assembly also featured Confesercenti national president Nico Gronchi and regional councillors, including Debora Massari, who pointed to the new Tourism Plan 2026–2028 as a tool to redistribute visitor flows and support local businesses.
Italian Version