Italian Food Retail Sales Up 6.1% In April: Istat

The Italian food retail sector saw a 6.1% year-on-year growth in sales in April, according to data from Istat.

However, overall retail trade for the period fell by 26.3% in value and 28.1% in volume.

Non-food sales saw a significant decline of 52.2% in value and 52.5% in volume, the data revealed.

'Effects Of The Lockdown'

Claudio Gradara, president of Federdistribuzione, a body that represents the modern organised distribution sector in Italy, commented, "The retail sales data for the month of April fully reflects the effects of the lockdown on the world of commerce, with a significant drop for the non-food sector, due to the closure of stores.”

According to Federdistribuzione, this negative trend will take a long time to reverse, as consumers are still concerned about resuming their usual shopping habits after the lockdown. 

It has also projected a 30% decline in retail sales by the end of 2020, due to the impact of the pandemic on customers’ employment and investments.

'Rapid And Effective Measures'

Gradara added, “The second half of the year will, therefore, be crucial in setting the recovery and there is an urgent need for rapid and effective measures to support families and businesses.

“The ability of businesses of all sizes to invest, including medium and large enterprises, must be sustained and appropriate measures are needed to maintain employment levels and guarantee the purchasing power of households.”