More than one in every five Italian stores closed and never reopened between 2012 and 2023. 111,000 firms have disappeared, including 24,000 itinerant businesses, accounting for 25.6% of the total. This is one aspect of the situation known as "commercial desertification," which is becoming increasingly concerning, particularly in historic districts, which are squeezed between competition from retail malls in the suburbs and, most importantly, from the internet. Italians' internet purchases have nearly doubled in four years, reaching €35 billion in 2023. Traditional companies, such as booksellers and toys, have suffered the most, with a 35.8% drop since 2012, followed by furniture and hardware stores, clothes stores, and gas stations. On the contrary, pharmacies, new service and technology-oriented outlets, and catering and lodging activities are expanding by 42%. Above all, bars-restaurants and bed-and-breakfasts are multiplying, resulting in rapid and sometimes disorderly growth that can pose problems for residents and create "leisure cities" that are unlivable. In any case, the ability to attract tourists and non-residents is what keeps many localities from becoming desertified.
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