In Calabria, family spending on Christmas-related purchases reaches 783 million euros, equal to 2.9% of the national total, a significant share that can be intercepted by over 8 thousand artisan businesses active in the regional territory. This is what emerges from the analysis of the MPI Observatory of Confartigianato Imprese Calabria, released as part of the #AcquistiamoLocale – Christmas 2025 campaign.
The month of December represents a crucial period for consumption: it concentrates over 10% of annual retail sales, with an average increase of 28.8% compared to the other months of the year. In this context, the expenditure of Calabrian families is mainly oriented towards food and drink products, which absorb 72.2% of the total, equal to 565 million euros. The remaining 218 million euros concern other typically Christmas goods and services, including fashion, jewellery, furniture and furnishings, home textiles, gift items, books, games, sports products and personal care services.
At a territorial level, the province with the highest expenditure is Cosenza, with 295 million euros, followed by Reggio Calabria with 214 million, Catanzaro with 145 million, Crotone with 67 million and Vibo Valentia with 63 million euros. Data which confirms the widespread role of Christmas consumption as an economic lever for the entire regional system.
On the supply side, in Calabria there are 8,221 artisan businesses operating in 47 sectors directly linked to the production of typical Christmas goods and services. This is 35.3% of the total regional artisan businesses, a higher incidence than the national average. These realities employ 17,828 workers, equal to over a third (34.7%) of Calabrian artisan employment, with a particularly significant weight in the provinces of Reggio Calabria and Cosenza.
The analysis highlights how the artisan gift represents not only a consumer choice, but also an investment in the territory. An artisan gift stands out for its uniqueness, quality and durability, it arises from the encounter between tradition and innovation, enhances know-how, supports the short supply chain and contributes to environmental sustainability, the growth of the local economy and social cohesion.
«Choosing an artisan gift means supporting the work, skills and identity of our territories», underlines Confartigianato Imprese Calabria. «In a strategic period like Christmas, craftsmanship represents a fundamental economic and social driver, capable of generating value that remains in the communities and strengthens the bond between businesses, families and the territory».