The data on Christmas consumption in Sicily gives an increase of 1.9% compared to 2024 – all this, despite the complex economic context. However, the average expenditure on gifts remained at lower figures, between 190 and 200 euros, a sign of more prudent management of the family budget, thanks to the effect of price increases. This was stated by Gianluca Manenti, regional president of Confcommercio Sicilia, who announced the start of the sales on the island on January 3rd and the closing on March 15th.
The return to physical commerce
Among the protagonists of Christmas purchases at a regional level are food and wine products (18.5%), personal care items (14.1%), followed by clothing and footwear (12.2%), electronics, streaming subscriptions and jewellery. Manenti underlines how the return to physical commerce has represented one of the most significant trends: «64% of consumers have chosen to shop in nearby stores, a sign that direct experience remains fundamental.
Artificial intelligence to guide choices
The use of Artificial Intelligence to guide purchasing choices is also growing, but human contact and trust in local trade remain important pillars.” Looking at the winter sales, Manenti adds: «We now expect a good turnout starting from Saturday. Today the consumer is more attentive and aims to invest in quality products. However, we invite everyone to pay attention to misleading promotions and to check the transparency of the prices displayed, remembering that by law the lowest price of the last 30 days must be indicated”. Confcommercio Sicilia then clarifies that, on the island, it is possible to carry out promotional sales at any time of the year.