Medio Campidano resists. In an area marked by depopulation and economic fragility, the lights of the urban centers are kept on by neighborhood shops, true social, even more than economic, strongholds. This is where the region's stability depends, between family businesses, daily relationships, and essential services for local communities.
Confcommercio Sud Sardegna paints a picture through analysis of data from the Chamber of Commerce of Cagliari and Oristano, which highlights a resilient and deeply rooted reality. There are 12,725 locations in the region, with commerce confirming itself as a key pillar of the local economy: 3,204 registered businesses and 2,942 active companies, despite a slight decline of 1%.
"The neighborhood store isn't just a business," emphasizes Alessandro Piu, manager and board member of Medio Campidano, "but a bastion of safety, social interaction, and dignity. If Medio Campidano is still standing today, it's thanks to those entrepreneurs who keep their doors open every day."
A productive fabric made up primarily of small businesses and family-run businesses: 1,529 are sole proprietorships, a sign of a deep connection to the local area. Despite the challenges, the sector continues to hold up, even demographically: 9 new registrations were followed by 20 closures, a modest negative balance that demonstrates a resilience that exceeds expectations in a challenging environment.
Furthermore, after the pandemic, local businesses have evolved, focusing on quality, trust, and direct customer relationships. "Merchants have reorganized," Piu continues, "offering a concrete alternative to large-scale retail trade, showcasing local products and identities."
The sector also confirms its role as a driver of inclusion and opportunity: female entrepreneurship reaches 25.8%, well above the regional average, while 7.1% of businesses are led by foreign entrepreneurs, demonstrating an open and dynamic system.
Integration with artisanal businesses also plays a strategic role: with 1,936 locations, the sector contributes to building an increasingly experience-oriented offering, combining traditional products and hospitality. It's the "taste boutique" model, combining commerce, tradition, and tourism, showcasing the region's excellence.
However, significant challenges remain, starting with the small size of businesses: most employ fewer than five people, making them more vulnerable to logistics costs and infrastructure challenges. "Supporting local businesses means protecting the social stability of the Medio Campidano," Piu concludes. "Every shop that stays open is not just an economic activity, but a safeguard against abandonment, a point of reference for the communities, and a sign of life for our towns."
(Unioneonline)