According to the report from National Institute of Statistics (Istat), in March 2019, estimates of the value of retail trade decreased by 0.3%. Economists had expected a 0.3% increase. Volume was down 0.2% when compared with the previous month.

In the three months to March 2019 (Quarter 1), both value and volume of retail trade rose by 0.2% when compared with Quarter 4 2018 (Oct to Dec).

When compared with a year earlier, both value and volume of retail trade saw a decline, decreasing by 3.3% and 3.7% respectively.

Large scale distribution decreased year-on-year by 5.0%, while small scale distribution fell by 2.2%. Internet sales continued their growth, increasing by 11.1% when compared with March 2018.

Looking at the value of sales for non-food products, the strongest growth was reported for Shoes, leather goods and travel items (+5.0%), while the largest falls concerned Stationery, books, newspapers and magazines (-4.6%) and Electric household appliances, audio-video equipment (-4.2%).