Confcom, quasi mezzo milione di locali sfitti, piccoli comuni e borghi senza servizi

In 2026, only 36.6% of retail stores in Italy own their premises, with 63.4% renting. This trend is more pronounced in major cities, where 69.8% of stores are rented. Regional disparities exist, with ownership rates ranging from 31.5% in Lazio to 46.5% in Basilicata. The analysis highlights a concerning trend of commercial desertification, with nearly half a million vacant stores across Italy, particularly affecting small towns. Confcom's president urges the government to allocate resources to support local economies and revive empty premises.