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The Evolution of Italy's Wholesale and Retail Trade Sector: Economic Trends and Policy Implications (2014-2023)

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  • Leogrande, Angelo

Abstract

The wholesale and retail trade sector in Italy represents a crucial pillar of the national economy, contributing significantly to GDP, employment, and investment. This study analyzes the sector's performance from 2014 to 2023, highlighting the trends, challenges, and opportunities that have shaped its evolution. The sector has experienced steady growth, with value added increasing by 36.32% over the period, despite disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a sharp decline in 2020. Key drivers of growth include digital transformation, supply chain optimization, and shifts in consumer behavior. Government policies, including financial incentives and regulatory reforms, have played a crucial role in supporting the sector’s resilience and recovery. However, challenges remain, such as rising operational costs, regulatory complexities, and the need for sustainable business practices. The study underscores the importance of enhancing digital infrastructure, improving financial accessibility for SMEs, and investing in workforce development to sustain long-term growth. Policymakers are encouraged to adopt targeted strategies to enhance competitiveness, sustainability, and innovation within the sector. By addressing these challenges, Italy can ensure the continued contribution of the wholesale and retail trade sector to economic prosperity and social well-being.

Suggested Citation

  • Leogrande, Angelo, 2025. "The Evolution of Italy's Wholesale and Retail Trade Sector: Economic Trends and Policy Implications (2014-2023)," MPRA Paper 123463, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:123463
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Thomas Reardon & Lenis Saweda O. Liverpool-Tasie & Bart Minten, 2021. "Quiet Revolution by SMEs in the midstream of value chains in developing regions: wholesale markets, wholesalers, logistics, and processing," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 13(6), pages 1577-1594, December.
    2. Saad A. Hammad, 2023. "The Impact of Value-Added of Wholesale and Retail Trade and Hotels on Economic Activity: An Econometric Study in the Economy of Iraq between 2006-2021," Business Management and Strategy, Macrothink Institute, vol. 14(2), pages 128-143, December.
    3. John Gakuu Karanja, 2022. "Domestic trade regulation and growth of wholesale and retail firms; evidence from Kenya," Cogent Economics & Finance, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 10(1), pages 2127218-212, December.
    4. Sebastian TOCAR, 2024. "Inventory management and firm performance in wholesale and retail trade," SEA - Practical Application of Science, Romanian Foundation for Business Intelligence, Editorial Department, vol. 0(35), pages 73-81, September.
    5. Yohannes Workeaferahu Elifneh & Temesgen Abebaw Wonda & Yalew Alemayehu Abbay, 2024. "Marketing ethics in the wholesale and retail sector: empirical evidence from Ethiopia (a qualitative inquiry)," Cogent Business & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 11(1), pages 2373353-237, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ying Chen & Ke Zhang, 2025. "The Penetration of Digital Currency for Sustainable and Inclusive Urban Development: Evidence from China’s e-CNY Pilot Using SDID-SCM," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-28, July.

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • E01 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - General - - - Measurement and Data on National Income and Product Accounts and Wealth; Environmental Accounts
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill
    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure
    • J81 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Standards - - - Working Conditions
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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