Italy’s retail sales fell -0.1% MoM in value and -0.3% MoM in volume in August 2025, though quarterly trends remained slightly positive and annual comparisons showed inflation continuing to weigh on real consumption.

• In the three months to August, retail sales rose +0.8% in value and +0.3% in volume compared with the previous three months, pointing to modest underlying growth.

• On a YoY basis, sales increased +0.5% in value but declined -1.3% in volume, showing the gap between nominal and real consumer activity.

• Large-scale distribution grew +2.5% YoY, while small-scale retail (-2.2% YoY) and non-store sales (-2.6% YoY) weakened.

• Online sales rose strongly at +6.1% YoY, continuing to outpace physical retail formats.

• Among non-food products, cosmetics and toilet articles posted the largest YoY gain (+5.4%), while electric household appliances, audio-video equipment, and pharmaceuticals saw the steepest drops (all -3.4%).