FX.co ★ Italian Retail Sales Growth Cools to 1.6% in February, Easing from January’s 2.3%

Italy’s retail sector lost some momentum in February 2026, with sales growth slowing on a yearly basis according to the latest data update on 2 April 2026. Retail sales rose 1.6% year-over-year in February, down from a 2.3% annual increase recorded in January 2026.

Both figures compare performance to the same month a year earlier, highlighting a deceleration in consumer spending as the year progressed. January’s reading reflected a 2.3% rise versus January of the previous year, while February’s 1.6% gain represents a weaker expansion relative to February a year ago.

The softer pace of growth may signal a more cautious consumer environment after a stronger start to the year, and will likely be monitored closely by analysts assessing the durability of domestic demand in Italy’s economy.