Spending by singles in Italy rose to €235 billion in one year, more than a quarter of the total national spending: €69 billion more than in 2012. This estimate was made by Confesercenti, based on ISTAT data and an Ipsos survey.

The boom is driven by demographic and social changes: in 2012, there were 7.6 million single-person households (29.4%), today they are 9.7 million (36.2%) , and will reach 10.7 million by 2040, nearly 40% of the total. By the same year, single-person spending will reach €287 billion, 30% of the national total and 72% more than in 2012.

According to Confesercenti, the phenomenon of micro-families —over half with two or fewer members— is reshaping consumer habits and is already transforming retail offerings, pushing for smaller formats, dedicated packaging, and more digital services.

"This transformation also requires attention from economic policies," the association emphasizes, "because single consumers, while more dynamic and connected, remain more exposed to the high cost of living and spend alone on housing, food, and essential services."

(Unioneonline/E.Fr.)