Arezzo Shops See Boost from Black Friday and Christmas Markets

Arezzo‘s Festive Glow: A Tale of Two Narratives

The streets of Arezzo’s historic center bustle with life, bathed in the warm glow of holiday lights and shimmering shop displays.

A Positive Pulse For Retailers

Black Friday has drawn to a close, leaving a trail of twinkling lights and bustling shoppers in its wake. For clothing retailers, at least, the balance appears to be tipping in a positive direction.

“Our Black Friday was definitely good. We’re seeing lots of foot traffic, and tourists who come through our doors are buying,” says Simona Buricchi, who owns an underwear shop in the heart of the city. “The first two weeks of the Christmas markets have been favorable as well. Thursdays through Sundays see a constant influx of people, which is certainly a good sign for us.”

Valentina Alberti, a sales associate at a nearby clothing store, echoes Buricchi’s sentiments.

“We started to see a real jump in sales once we implemented Black Friday discounts,” she shares. “The markets are definitely generating movement, and weekends are significantly busier. It’s hard to understand those who complain about a lack of customers – the tourists are here, they’re spending money. At least from what we see, the tourists coming from outside the city are keeping us busy.”

Alberti also recognizes a slight hitch in the seasonal rhythm.

“While I appreciate the boost we get from Black Friday and the Christmas markets, I feel that Arezzo, outside of these events, lacks a bit in terms of tourist attractions,” she says. “It’s worth mentioning that the charm of Black Friday allows many people to treat themselves to items they may not be able to afford at regular prices.

Opting Out and Holding Steady

While Black Friday discounts strategically drive consumer spending for many, Federico Brutti, owner of a local eyewear shop, chooses not to participate in the retail frenzy. Despite not joining the big sales push, he observes a distinct uptick in visitor numbers.

“Christmas definitely helps shake up what is typically a very slow period for us,” he remarkes.

“November is tough, the weeks simply don’t move as quickly until the weekends arrive. Sales wan’t exactly booming, but I hope that Arezzo can establish itself as a destination to visit – perhaps for a stroll, a coffee break, and maybe some shopping.”
Brutti has also noticed a return of familiar faces.

“It’s been nice to see heaps of tourists coming back,” he smiled. “I remember seeing folks from Naples and Rome last year, and it’s great to have them walk through the doors again.”

A Different Tune: The Challenges Remain

Frana Duchini, another shop owner, paints a slightly different picture. For her, there’s a palpable dip in both tourist numbers and customer spending this year.

“There are significantly fewer people than usual, and while there’s some traffic, very few enter the shop to buy anything,” she laments. “Those who travel far to attend the markets seem to be more focused on their experience rather than splashing out on extra purchases. I wouldn’t say I’m seeing a significant amount of customer traffic. In fact, it’s been lower than usual.”