In 2023, the number of self-employed persons in the retail trade sector in Italy stood just above 810,000. Forecasts indicate a steady decline from 2024 through 2028, with a year-on-year decrease of approximately 1.25% each year. By the end of 2028, the number is expected to drop to 762,000. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over this five-year period signals an average annual decline of roughly 1.25%.
Future trends to watch for include the impact of digital transformation and e-commerce, which could further reduce the need for self-employment in traditional retail roles. Additionally, shifts in consumer behavior towards online shopping and potential economic fluctuations may continue to influence the demand for self-employed individuals in this sector.