By Salesupply - Milan, April 17, 2026 - BrandOn Group, Italy's leading Merchant of Record for marketplaces, today announced a strategic partnership with Salesupply, a provider of global e-commerce internationalisation solutions including fulfillment and customer service. Together, the two companies offer Italian brands a fully integrated, end-to-end solution for international expansion. Removing the operational complexity that has hindered many brands from growing internationally. 

The partnership combines two complementary areas of expertise: BrandOn Group’s deep knowledge of market strategy, compliance, and brand management on leading platforms such as Amazon, Zalando, and Mediamarkt, and Salesupply’s global infrastructure of fulfillment centers, native-language customer service solutions, and returns management operations.  

Solving the operational puzzle of globalization
For Italian brands with international ambitions, the challenges are well known: navigating market compliance rules in every country, meeting specific logistics requirements, responding to customer inquiries in local languages, and efficiently managing international returns. Until now, brands had to rely on multiple service providers to cover all these needs. 

“Brands expanding into international markets face a complex web of operational challenges, from international logistics and localized customer service to returns management and market compliance,” said Paola Marzario, Founder of BrandOn Group. “Thanks to this partnership with Salesupply, we offer brands a single integrated solution that relieves them of all these concerns, allowing them to focus entirely on growth.”

The collaboration 
The partnership is not merely theoretical. Several established brands, clients of BrandOn Group, are already benefiting from the integrated solution. Fulfillment operations are managed through strategically located logistics hubs, ensuring rapid and efficient distribution across major European markets. 

This setup also ensures a consistent, high-quality customer experience on marketplaces -a key factor in preserving and strengthening brand reputation at scale. 

The big picture: Italian e-commerce goes global
Italy's ecommerce sector has grown rapidly in recent years, and an increasing number of Italian brands are looking to international marketplaces as their primary channel for reaching new customers. However, global expansion remains out of reach for many - not due to a lack of product quality or brand strength, but because of the operational infrastructure required to execute it properly. 

BrandOn Group and Salesupply are positioning this partnership as the answer to that gap: a turnkey solution that allows Italian brands to launch and grow on international marketplaces with confidence, backed by the kind of local operational presence that builds customer trust in every market. 

The post BrandOn Group and Salesupply Join Forces to Help Italian Brands Conquer International Markets appeared first on Cross-Border Magazine.

Italy is taking a firm position in the growing European debate over "small parcel" (low-value) cross-border e-commerce. As part of its upcoming budget measures, the Italian government is moving toward introducing a €2 levy on every small parcel imported from outside the European Union with a declared value of up to €150.

The measure is explicitly framed as a response to the rapid growth of ultra-low-cost imports, frequently associated with significant non-EU marketplaces operating at massive scale. Its timing, just ahead of the peak holiday shopping season, places Italy at the center of a broader discussion about fairness, enforcement, and sustainability in European e-commerce.

Why “Small Parcels” Have Become a Policy Target

Over the past few years, European customs authorities have faced an unprecedented surge in low-value parcels shipped directly to consumers from outside the EU. These shipments often benefit from simplified customs treatment, limited inspection, and lower administrative costs.

Italy, like several other EU member states, argues that this model creates structural imbalances:

• Domestic and EU-based retailers face higher compliance, labor, and tax costs
  
• Enforcement of product safety and consumer protection rules is more rigid at scale.
  
• Local industries, particularly fashion and retail, are exposed to aggressive price undercutting.
  

The proposed levy is intended to introduce a minimum fiscal contribution per shipment, regardless of the product's value.

What the €2 Levy Would Apply To

The planned contribution would cover:

• Parcels shipped from non-EU countries
  
• Shipments with a declared value of €150 or less
  
• Individual consumer deliveries, particularly those sent directly from overseas platforms
  

According to government estimates, the levy could generate over €120 million in its first year, with revenues increasing as volumes continue to grow. Beyond fiscal impact, the measure is intended to act as a corrective signal to the market.

Italy’s Move Within the Broader EU Framework

Although the levy is being introduced at the national level, Italy’s position closely aligns with ongoing EU-wide customs and e-commerce reforms.

At the European level, policymakers are already discussing:

• The removal of long-standing low-value thresholds
  
• More vigorous customs enforcement for e-commerce flows
  
• Greater accountability for online marketplaces facilitating third-country sales
  

Italy has publicly supported accelerating these reforms, arguing that national measures should not lag behind market realities. In this sense, the €2 levy can be seen as both a domestic policy tool and a political signal to Brussels.

Implications for Holiday E-commerce and Cross-Border Trade

For the e-commerce ecosystem, especially during the holiday season, the practical effects could be significant.

Higher Landed Costs for Low-Value Orders

On inexpensive items, a flat €2 charge represents a meaningful percentage increase, potentially altering consumer purchasing behavior and price competitiveness.

Increased Delivery and Operational Friction

Additional fees often accompany new handling, declaration, or collection processes, which can affect delivery times and the customer experience during peak periods.

Pressure on Marketplace Business Models

Platforms built around ultra-frequent, low-value shipments may need to rethink pricing, bundling, and EU-based fulfillment options to remain competitive.

Political and Industry Reactions in Italy

Italian industry groups, particularly in fashion and retail, have broadly welcomed the proposal, viewing it as a step toward restoring competitive balance. They argue that the levy complements, rather than replaces, broader regulatory enforcement on product safety and fair competition.

Critics, however, caution that consumer prices may rise and that national measures risk fragmentation if not fully harmonized at the EU level.

What Comes Next

As negotiations around Italy’s budget continue, attention will remain focused on whether the levy is implemented as planned and how quickly similar measures may follow elsewhere in Europe.

For merchants, marketplaces, and logistics providers, Italy’s move reinforces a clear trend: the era of frictionless, ultra-low-value cross-border e-commerce into the EU is coming under sustained regulatory pressure. The holiday season may only be the first real test of how these changes reshape European online retail.

The post Italy Targets “Small Parcel” Imports with a €2 Levy on Extra-EU E-commerce Shipments appeared first on Cross-Border Magazine.

In 2025, Italy is taking a more aggressive stance on VAT enforcement and tax compliance, targeting both domestic and cross-border e-commerce operators. With tax revenue losses mounting and pressure from EU digital market reforms, Italian authorities are increasing scrutiny, imposing new guarantees, and pursuing high-profile investigations—most notably against Amazon.

For online sellers and marketplaces, the message is clear: non-compliance with Italian tax law now carries operational and financial risk. Adapting to the country’s evolving VAT framework is essential for maintaining business continuity and market access.

Key Developments in Italy’s VAT Crackdown

€1.2 Billion VAT Investigation Into Amazon

In early 2025, Italy launched an investigation into Amazon for alleged €1.2 billion in unpaid VAT over multiple years. The total exposure—including penalties and interest—could exceed €3 billion. Authorities allege that the platform facilitated transactions without proper VAT collection or reporting mechanisms for thousands of third-party sellers, many of them foreign.

New Guarantee Rules for Non-EU Sellers

Italy now requires non-EU sellers to appoint a fiscal representative and provide a financial guarantee of €50,000 per registration to maintain inclusion in the VAT Information Exchange System (VIES). This new requirement applies to both B2C and B2B sellers operating through Italian or EU marketplaces.

VIES Deregistration for Non-Compliance

Suppose non-EU sellers fail to submit the required guarantee or designate a qualified fiscal agent. In that case, they face automatic deregistration from VIES—cutting them off from intra-EU tax documentation and compliance networks. This severely impacts fulfillment, customs clearance, and order processing within Italy and the broader EU.

Marketplace Responsibility for VAT Collection

Under Italy’s updated e-commerce tax model, marketplaces may be held liable for VAT collection on behalf of third-party sellers. Platforms must ensure proper invoicing, VAT registration checks, and periodic reporting to avoid secondary liability.

Impact on E-Commerce Operators

For Non-EU Sellers

• Operational Costs Rise: The €50,000 VAT guarantee adds a significant cost barrier, particularly for small and mid-sized exporters.
  
• Compliance Burden Increases: Sellers must work with certified fiscal representatives and meet strict documentation requirements.
  
• Risk of Market Exclusion: Non-compliance may result in blocked sales, customs holds, or deactivation on major platforms.
  

For Marketplaces

• Stronger Auditing Obligations: Platforms must validate seller credentials and ensure automated VAT collection tools are functioning across all seller accounts.
  
• Joint Liability Risks: Failure to enforce tax obligations may result in substantial fines or reputational damage.
  
• Need for Local Tax Expertise: Growing regulatory complexity requires investments in local legal, tax, and compliance teams.
  

Strategic Recommendations for Sellers and Platforms

• Appoint a Qualified Fiscal Representative: Ensure that your representative is recognized by Italian tax authorities and capable of managing ongoing obligations.
  
• Submit the VAT Guarantee Before Deadlines: Italian authorities are enforcing strict timelines in mid-2025. Missing them may jeopardize your entire EU operation.
  
• Implement Real-Time VAT Validation: Platforms should adopt automated systems to cross-check seller VAT numbers and verify invoice status in real-time.
  
• Stay Updated on EU-Wide VAT Trends: Italy's enforcement may preview broader action across other EU states. Align your compliance roadmap with long-term regional changes.
  

Italy’s intensified approach to VAT and tax compliance is redefining the rules for e-commerce across Europe’s third-largest market. From high-profile audits to stringent guarantee rules for non-EU sellers, the regulatory environment is shifting fast. For platforms and cross-border merchants alike, success now depends on proactive compliance, local representation, and deep awareness of fiscal obligations. Those who adapt early will retain access to a high-value, digitally engaged consumer base—those who don’t may find themselves locked out.

The post Intensifying VAT and Tax Compliance Reshapes E-Commerce in Italy appeared first on Cross-Border Magazine.

Italy’s e-commerce market is rapidly growing—estimated at US $56 billion (≈ €52 billion) in 2025 and expected to reach approximately US $82 billion by 2027. As consumer behavior shifts toward digital, offering the right mix of payment methods is essential for enhancing trust and conversion.

That's why we will review the current landscape and leading players in the Italian online payment solutions market today.

Market Overview and Consumer Preferences

Payment Shares & Trends

• Credit and debit cards account for around 31–33% of online transactions, often leading in terms of transaction value.
  
• Digital wallets—including PayPal, PostePay, Amazon Pay, and Google Pay—account for ≈ approximately 35 % of online payments and are especially preferred for low-value orders.
  
• Bank transfers (e.g. SEPA, MyBank) contribute roughly 13 %, while cash on delivery still persists at about 4 %.
  

Payment Providers & Local Preferences

• PostePay, Italy’s national postal service prepaid card, is used by around 35% of consumers, often chosen over credit cards due to its convenience and security.
  
• PayPal remains widely trusted across purchase types—from subscriptions to retail—thanks to its buyer protection and flexibility in payment sources.
  

Leading E‑Commerce Payment Methods in 2025

Credit and Debit Cards

Credit/debit card transactions (Visa, Mastercard, local schemes) hold the largest share of e-commerce payment volume (≈ 31–33 %). Local card schemes are particularly significant, accounting for nearly 45% of card usage in some reports.

Digital Wallets (PayPal, PostePay, Amazon Pay, Google Pay)

Digital wallets account for approximately 35% of online payments in Italy. PayPal leads, followed by PostePay, Amazon Pay, and Google Pay.

PostePay

Issued by Poste Italiane, PostePay is deeply integrated with Italian e-commerce preferences and frequently used among younger or card-averse consumers.

Bank Transfers (SEPA, MyBank)

Account-to-account methods, such as SEPA transfers and MyBank (a bank-based online payment method), account for about 13% of transactions. These methods appeal to consumers favoring direct bank settlement.

Bancomat Pay

Bancomat Pay, Italy’s domestic debit card–based wallet, is gaining traction—especially after partnerships like the one with Amazon Italy, which enables checkout via Bancomat Pay cards.

Mobile Tap‑to‑Pay (Apple Tap to Pay, etc.)

In 2024, Nexi, Stripe, and Adyen launched Apple Tap to Pay services in Italy, enabling merchants to accept contactless NFC payments via iPhones—ideal for small shops without dedicated hardware.

European Initiatives: Wero & EuroPA

Wero (European Payments Initiative)

Wero, the new EU-wide digital wallet by the European Payments Initiative (EPI), was launched in mid-2024 and is expected to extend online payment functionality into 2025–2026. Italian merchants using Wero via Nexi will soon offer QR, installment, and BNPL features fully integrated into the European instant payment infrastructure.

EuroPA (European Payments Alliance)

Italy’s Bancomat, Spain’s Bizum, and Portugal’s SIBS created EuroPA to enable cross-border instant mobile payments across Southern Europe. By March 2025, instant transactions were live, and EPI–EuroPA collaboration was established to expand interoperability across 15 countries.

Strategic Considerations for Italian E‑Commerce Merchants

Optimizing Payment Mix for Conversion

Integrating local options, such as PostePay, Bancomat Pay, and SEPA transfers, alongside international methods (PayPal, cards), reduces abandonment and builds local trust.

Emphasizing Mobile-First Experience

With mobile accounting for around 40 % of Italian e-commerce, and mobile payments growing by 61% in 2024, merchants should prioritize NFC contactless options and wallet integrations for smoother checkout.

Preparing for European Innovation and Regulation

Merchants should monitor PSD2/3 compliance, SCA updates, and EU initiatives like Wero and EuroPA as they evolve through 2025, offering more EU-centric and sovereign payment infrastructure.

Summary Table: Italy’s E‑Commerce Payment Methods 2025

In Italy’s dynamic 2025 e-commerce ecosystem, there’s no one-size-fits-all payment solution. Cards and digital wallets dominate, but local favorites like PostePay and Bancomat Pay are essential for domestic appeal. Bank transfers remain a reliable option for consumers seeking direct and secure transactions.

Meanwhile, emerging platforms like Wero and EuroPA signal a broader move toward European-controlled, interoperable payments.

For merchants, success depends on offering a balanced mix of traditional, local, and modern methods—meeting Italian consumer preferences while preparing for pan-European payment innovation.

The post E‑Commerce Payment Landscape in Italy 2025 appeared first on Cross-Border Magazine.

Italy's e-commerce sector is experiencing substantial growth, driven by increasing digital adoption, improved logistics, and evolving consumer habits. Today, we will explore the market size, top-selling products, market value 2024, and future projections.

Market Size and Growth

In 2023, the Italian e-commerce market was valued at approximately €80.55 billion. This upward trend is expected to continue, although depending on the source, with more or less success:

FORECAST:

• Statista projects the market will reach approximately US$72.90 billion in 2025. 
• Mordor Intelligence forecasts the market to reach US$112.01 billion in 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.94%, potentially reaching US$179.90 billion by 2030.

These variations in projections may result from differing methodologies and definitions of e-commerce scope among research organizations.

These figures reflect a substantial digital transformation in Italy, with more businesses investing in e-commerce solutions and consumers increasingly preferring online shopping.

Most Sold Online Products in 2024

The most popular e-commerce categories in Italy during 2024 were:

• Clothing – Purchased by 40% of consumers
• Shoes – Purchased by 32% of consumers

The dominance of fashion-related items in Italy's online retail sector highlights a shift in consumer behavior, where digital platforms are becoming primary channels for fashion purchases.

E-Commerce Market Value in 2024

The Italian e-commerce market was estimated to be worth $55.1 billion in 2024, marking a 7.82% year-over-year growth. This steady increase reflects the continuous expansion of online retail platforms and a rising preference for digital transactions.

The Italian e-commerce market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.72% from 2024 to 2028, potentially reaching $71.4 billion by 2028.

Future Forecast for Italian E-Commerce

The future of e-commerce in Italy appears promising, with multiple factors contributing to its continued expansion:

• Increased internet penetration
• Growing consumer trust in online transactions
• Advancements in logistics and payment solutions

​Based on current available data we have compiled this table, showing the main e-commerce marketplaces in Italy for 2024, including their Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) and average monthly unique visitors:​

Please note that GMV figures represent the total value of merchandise sold through the marketplace, while unique visitor metrics indicate the average number of individual users visiting the platform monthly. The availability of data varies across different sources and platforms.

• Amazon: In March 2024, Amazon was the leading online marketplace in Italy, with an average of over 49 million unique visitors per month. ​statista.com

• eBay: eBay had nearly 14 million unique monthly visitors in Italy during the same period. ​statista.com

• Temu: Temu, a relatively new entrant in the Italian market, achieved a GMV of approximately $2,235.6 million in 2024. Specific data on its average monthly unique visitors in Italy is not readily available.​ecommercedb.com

• Subito.it: This C2C marketplace and classifieds platform exceeded 17 million unique visitors in March 2024. However, specific GMV data for Subito.it is not publicly disclosed.​statista.com

Overall, Italy's e-commerce sector is thriving, with steady market growth and a significant shift in consumer purchasing behavior towards online platforms. Fashion remains dominant, while overall revenue is expected to continue rising in the coming years.

With technological advancements and increasing digital adoption, Italy is well-positioned for a strong e-commerce future, making it a key player in the European online retail space.

The post The Current Status of E-Commerce in Italy (2025) appeared first on Cross-Border Magazine.

Istituto Piepoli recently surveyed—with support from Temu—the latest online shopping preferences in Italy. Various factors, including technological advancements, changes in economic conditions, and the increasing influence of global e-commerce platforms, have driven a considerable shift in Italians' online shopping preferences. 

That’s why today we will explore Italy's current online shopping preferences, highlighting consumer attitudes towards price, quality, convenience, and the growing popularity of direct-from-factory platforms like Temu. 

Online Shopping in Italy: Growth and Consumer Confidence 

Online shopping in Italy has surged, with approximately 57% of Italians making at least half of their online purchases - Istituto Piepoli. This growing reliance on digital marketplaces is accompanied by increased consumer trust, with 89% of Italian shoppers expressing confidence in the quality and reliability of online products -Istituto Piepoli.

Several factors contribute to this growing trust. Italians increasingly see online shopping as a viable alternative to traditional retail, particularly in terms of price and convenience. In fact, 92% of consumers believe that purchasing directly from manufacturers, as seen on platforms like Temu, allows them to save money without sacrificing quality, claims the Istituto Piepoli report

Price Sensitivity and Economic Factors

The economic landscape in Italy has significantly influenced online shopping preferences. As inflation impacts household budgets, Italians are adopting more strategic approaches to purchasing. The Istituto Piepoli survey reveals that 9 out of 10 Italians consider price a critical factor in their buying decisions, and many are turning to online platforms where they perceive better value for money.

Platforms like Temu have capitalized on this trend by offering products directly from manufacturers, eliminating intermediary costs, and providing consumers with lower prices. This business model resonates with the Italian consumer base, particularly during economic uncertainty. Additionally, 8 out of 10 Italians report waiting for sales before making a purchase, illustrating price's importance in online shopping decisions, claims the report. 

Online Shopping in Italy: The Rise of Direct-From-Factory Platforms

One of Italy's most noteworthy trends in online shopping is the rise of direct-from-factory platforms, such as Temu. Since entering the Italian market in April 2023, Temu has gained significant popularity. According to the survey, two-thirds of Temu users in Italy trust the platform enough to recommend it to family and friends.

The success of these platforms can be attributed to several factors:

1. Cost Savings: Platform platforms like Temu offer lower prices without compromising quality by connecting consumers directly with manufacturers. This aligns with the preferences of Italian shoppers, who are increasingly prioritizing affordability in their purchasing decisions.

2. Convenience: These platforms' digital nature provides consumers access to a wide range of products, all from the comfort of their homes. Features like price comparisons and deal notifications, which are appreciated by 9 out of 10 Italians, further enhance the convenience of online shopping.

Shifts in Consumer Behavior

Italian consumers are not only embracing online shopping but are also changing their approach to it. With 94% of Temu users prefer shopping online rather than visiting physical stores, the shift towards e-commerce is clear. This shift is further evidenced by the growing number of younger consumers and men turning to online platforms - Istituto Piepoli

Additionally, 86% of consumers place orders online at least once a month, indicating a high level of engagement with digital marketplaces. The most popular product categories for online purchases in Italy include clothing, household items, and small appliances.

Decoupling Price and Quality

The rise of e-commerce platforms offering affordable alternatives has challenged the concept of price equating to quality. Only one-third of Italian consumers now believe that price directly reflects quality, suggesting a growing acceptance of lower-cost products that still meet their standards.

This trend is particularly evident in the growing preference for generic products over branded ones, as inflation continues to influence consumer behavior. Many Italians are now opting for non-branded items, which they perceive to offer better value for money, without compromising on quality.

Bargain Hunting and Deal Notifications

One of the key features driving online shopping preferences in Italy is the ability to find bargains. Italians are increasingly on the lookout for deals, with 9 out of 10 consumers expressing appreciation for notifications about discounts and sales.

This focus on bargains is closely tied to consumer attitudes towards delivery times. While speed is often a priority in many markets, Italian shoppers are more willing to wait longer for deliveries if it means saving money. 77% of respondents indicated they would accept longer delivery times in exchange for lower prices.

Importance of Product Variety and Customer Service

When it comes to online shopping, variety is another crucial factor for Italian consumers. 65% of shoppers cite product variety as one of the main advantages of using e-commerce platforms. This is particularly important as consumers increasingly compare prices and options across different platforms before making a purchase decision.

Customer service also plays a vital role in shaping online shopping preferences. 75% of Italians consider the quality of customer service when choosing an e-commerce platform. This highlights the importance of providing not only affordable products but also a positive shopping experience, from browsing to post-purchase support.

The rise of online shopping in Italy represents a significant shift in consumer behavior, driven by factors such as price sensitivity, convenience, and the growing influence of direct-from-factory platforms like Temu. As Italian consumers continue to embrace digital marketplaces, their shopping preferences are evolving to prioritize affordability, variety, and trust in the platforms they use.

In the face of economic uncertainty, online shopping provides Italians with the opportunity to make more informed and strategic purchasing decisions, all while enjoying the benefits of convenience and cost savings. As this trend continues to grow, businesses that offer competitive prices, diverse product offerings, and reliable customer service will be well-positioned to succeed in the Italian market.

The post Survey: Online Shopping Preferences in Italy (2024) appeared first on Cross-Border Magazine.

From the results of "The State of Shopping 2024" survey conducted by ShopFully with Offerista Group, for 65% of Italians, the physical store is the preferred place to shop with only 5% of consumers choosing e-commerce as their main option when shopping.

Despite the spread of online and increasing digitization, physical retail continues to remain the point of reference for consumers.

According to the results of "The State of Shopping 2024" survey - conducted by ShopFully in collaboration with Offerista Group - for 65 % of Italians, the physical store is the preferred place for shopping while only 5% favor e-commerce. The remaining 30% move fluidly between online and offline depending on a number of variables (category, time available, prices etc).

Why physical?

Where does the primacy of physical retail come from? The main reason lies in the ability to see, touch or try products before buying them. And this applies as much to food shopping as it does to buying a dress or a pair of shoes. Only in the case of more "technical" categories, such as consumer electronics, where the emotional component is less significant and the choice is based on price, does a more pronounced inclination toward e-commerce emerge.

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Amazon will open its first physical parapharmacy store in Milan. This store will offer a wide range of beauty and personal care products. It will mark a milestone as the first in Amazon's European market and the company's first physical store in Italy.

"Together with our retail partners, we now offer customers across Europe various beauty and personal care products. We are excited to continue working on this initiative and look forward to sharing additional updates with customers in the future," Amazon told Pharmacy Scanner media. It has also been confirmed that this operation will not be related to the pharmaceutical market but will focus solely on retailing beauty and personal care products.

The location selected for the parapharmacy is quite central, as it is in Piazzale Cadorna. The store previously belonged to Pulker, an Italian pharmaceutical chain. This 135 m2 store was acquired earlier this year by a limited partnership called Pellicano Italia, which became owned by Amazon in early March.

Details are yet to be revealed, such as the exact opening date and the name the store will bear.

Amazon’s bet on the pharma

Amazon's interest in the pharmaceutical sector has been increasing year after year. In 2018, it took its first step by acquiring PillPack, an online pharmacy based in Manchester, New Hampshire. Since then, it has continued to expand its services and penetrate different markets with Amazon Pharmacy, a marketplace division focused on the pharmaceutical sector launched in 2020.

The most recent acquisition was that of Eli Lilly, which will allow the company, founded by Jeff Bezos, to dispense medicines directly to consumers through LillyDirect. The platform launched this home delivery service in January and currently offers 14 medications, including diabetes and migraine treatments. The range of medicines available is expected to expand in the future.

For now, the marketplace will not be able to replicate the moves it is making in other countries with Amazon Pharmacy, as it does not have authorization in Europe to sell medicines, even without a prescription.

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Italian e-commerce had a turnover of 76 billion euros in 2022, according to data published by Ecommerce in Italy 2023 report from Casaleggio Associati, a digital strategy consulting business in Italy. 

The same report hinted that, during 2021, the e-commerce market in Italy reached a turnover of 64 billion euros. This represented a growth of 33% compared to a year earlier. Now, for 2023, a growth of 18.6% is what Casaleggio is forecasting, which, if true, will indicate that the development of online sales is slowing down in the country.

Italian e-commerce by sector

Leisure was the most significant online sector, generating 50% of the total online turnover (38 billion euros) in Italy. 

According to the research, this is partly due to the growth of online gaming, as well as purchases related to hobbies and sports. Online shopping centers followed in second place and generated 19% of the total revenue (14.2 billion euros).

Meanwhile, the tourism sector showed the strongest growth last year 47%, which was mostly due to price increases and also, due to a rebound effect of tourism returning after the complex Covid and post-Covid periods. In total, it generated 13.3% of the e-commerce turnover. 

According to the research, overall sales decreased in most sectors, but there was still an increase in turnover through higher prices. “This was particularly true for physical product sectors, such as Food, Home and Furniture, Consumer Electronics, and Online Shopping Centers.”

Overall, e-commerce websites in Italy are expected to grow 17.3% in terms of turnover this year. Especially the sectors Leisure Time, Food and Fashion and Health and Beauty are expected to grow in online turnover the most, respectively 23% 20% and 19%.

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Italy has ordered to block "with immediate effect" the Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool, ChatGPT, of the US technology company OpenAI, accusing it of not respecting the law on protecting users' data. 

In a statement, the Italian Guarantor for the Protection of Personal Data (GPDP) assures that it has opened an investigation and that, in the meantime, "the block will be maintained until it is clarified whether or not ChatGPT complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the pioneering European privacy law."

In the letter, the Privacy Watchdog points to "the lack of information to users and all interested parties whose data is collected by OpenAI" but, above all, "the absence of a legal basis justifying the massive collection and storage of personal data, to train the algorithms underlying the operation of the platform." 

"As evidenced by the checks carried out, the information provided by ChatGPT does not always correspond to the actual data, thus determining an inaccurate processing of personal data," it asserts.

The Italian agency also accuses ChatGPT of not checking the age of its users. A priori, children under 13 could not use this conversational system, but the Guarantor suspects this limitation could be a dead letter.

ChatGPT blocked in Italy… OpenAI remains silent

OpenAI, which has no office in the European Union (EU), has appointed a representative in the European Economic Area, and has up to 20 days to announce what measures it will take to comply with the Italian authorities' request. 

Failure to comply with European law could result in a fine of up to 20 million euros or up to 4% of global annual turnover. The regulator asserts that a data breach affecting ChatGPT users' conversations and payment information of subscribers to the service was reported on March 20.

ChatGPT is the best-known relational AI platform that can emulate and elaborate on human conversations. Its launch last November 30 triggered a wave of impacts. 

ChatGPT is part of Microsoft now

Microsoft has adopted and integrated this technology into most of its services, from its Bing search engine to office applications such as Word or Excel. There is no doubt that ChatGPT has become the tool of choice. 

Searches for this word, according to Semrush, have already accumulated 2.1 million searches since its launch. However, we must keep in mind that ChatGPT is still under development, and we must review all the information we will take from it.

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