Italian Retail Sales Extend Decline in July, Pointing to Softer Consumer Demand

Italian retail sales weakened further in July 2026, underscoring persistent pressure on consumer spending. Month-over-month, retail activity fell by 0.4%, deteriorating from a 0.2% decline recorded in June 2026.

The data, updated on 4 September 2026, show that July’s reading marks the second consecutive monthly drop in retail sales on a month-over-month basis. The comparison is made between each month and the immediately preceding one, indicating that the downturn in June versus May has not only continued but deepened in July versus June. This trend suggests Italian households may be becoming more cautious in their spending as the summer progresses.