The departure of the winter sales in Calabria has certified all numbers on high expectations

Two weeks after the start of the winter sales, the first monitoring of Calabrian companies, analyzed by the Confcommercio Calabria Study Center, highlight encouraging signals. As stated in the note issued by the category association, six out of ten stores report online sales, or even superior, compared to the same period of 2024.
As regards the expense prospects and favorite categories, according to the Confcommercio Study Office, the average expenditure per person is confirmed around 125 euros, while the family one reaches 290 euros, for an estimated total turnover in 115,000 millions of euros. In Calabria, as in the rest of the country, clothing (93.9%), footwear (76%) and underwear (40.7%) are the most requested categories.

In addition, the percentage of buyers who plan to spend more during the sales is on the rise, going from 20.2% of 2024 to 22.1% in 2025. Inherently to the data relating to combined purchases, then, about 68% of the Calabrian buyers alternate between physical and online stores.
“The first data on winter sales represent a positive sign for Calabrian trade, with a recovery that shows not only the resilience of the sector, but also the ability of our companies to adapt to changes in consumer habits – he says Maria Santagada, director of Confcommercio Calabria – The fact that six out of ten stores have recorded stable or growing sales compared to the same period last year is an encouraging result, the result of the commitment of traders in proposing quality products and in creating increasingly attractive purchasing experiences “.

The analysis also highlights a change in research behaviors, recording a reduction in the use of social media to identify articles on sale, with a flexion from 37% of 2024 to 31.4% in 2025. Which could indicate one Greater trust in traditional channels and direct sales platforms. “The increase in average spending per person and family is another indicator of the newfound enthusiasm of consumers – adds Maria Santagada – who privilege traditionally strong categories such as clothing and footwear, but which also begin to look with greater interest in purchases combined between physical stores and online platforms ». Space, then, to the vision for 2025 and conscious fashion: «The sector expert Felloni underlines how 2025 is characterized by a more conscious, inclusive and emotional fashion – reads – represented by three fundamental principles: economics, with products of quality at affordable prices; ecology, to promote responsible and sustainable purchases; ethics, to guarantee respect for consumer health and working conditions “.
Finally, the investigation focuses on the winter sales, analyzed by province. “At the regional level, the data reflect the importance of a trade rooted in the territory, capable of enhancing their strengths and seizing the opportunities offered by tourism and the promotion of local excellence – notes the director of Confcommercio Calabria – each province It shows distinctive features, but all contribute to the overall picture of an evolving commercial economy. Looking to the future, we believe that the key to success lies in a more conscious fashion that combines economy, ecology and ethics. This approach not only responds to the expectations of consumers increasingly attentive and informed, but also strengthens the role of our shops as sustainable and inclusive development engines. Confcommercio Calabria will continue to support local companies with analysis tools, training initiatives and promotion strategies, so that 2025 represents a year of growth and consolidation for the sector “. Here are the data collected in the five Calabrian provinces.

Cosenza

Sales trend: in line with the regional average, about 60% of the stores report stable or higher sales compared to 2024.
Dominating sectors: clothing (95%), footwear (78%) and fashion accessories are particularly successful.
Tourism: although it is not a strong shopping tourism center, local events and territorial promotion begin to create opportunities.

Catanzaro

Sales trend: 58% of the stores declare improved sales.
Dominating sectors: in addition to clothing and footwear, there is an increase in sales of underwear and sporting goods (41%).
Tourist perspectives: the presence of cultural attraction points could be better enhanced to attract buyers also from abroad.

Reggio Calabria

Sales trend: 62% of the shops report a positive trend, with some areas of the city center that benefit from a constant flow of visitors.
Dominating sectors: high fashion clothing and footwear dominate sales, with greater interest in Italian brands.
Tourism: the port and the proximity to Sicily represent a strategic opportunity for the shopping tourism, which affects the turnover of luxury shops and quality souvenirs.

Crotone

Sales trend: about 55% of the stores see stable sales compared to the previous year.
Dominating sectors: footwear (79%) and children’s clothing show a growing trend.
Perspectives: The Province could benefit more from a better integration between tourism and commerce, promoting typical local products.

Vibo Valentia

Sales trend: 57% of stores signal a positive trend.
Dominating sectors: clothing (94%) and local artisan products, such as accessories and customized garments, are in great demand.
Tourism: Location as Tropea attract buyers, but an unexpressed potential is highlighted in connecting summer tourism to winter trade.