FX.co ★ Italy Retail Sales Growth Eases

Italy’s retail sales rose 1.6% year-on-year in February 2026, slowing from an upwardly revised 2.5% increase in January. The expansion was led by large-scale distribution, which grew 1.9%, while sales at small retailers edged up 0.5% and non-store sales advanced 1.2%. Online sales were particularly strong, jumping 8.3%. Within the non-food segment, most categories posted annual gains, with the exception of shoes, leather goods, and travel items, which slipped 0.2%. The strongest growth was recorded in electric household appliances and audio-video equipment, up 5.6%. On a monthly basis, retail sales were unchanged, falling short of expectations for a 0.4% rise.