Confcommercio Ascom Torino survey on the service sector (March–September 2026)

On 29 October 2026 the Confcommercio Ascom Torino Observatory, produced with Format Research, presented the results of its survey on the Turin service sector for the March–September 2026 period. The survey captures a sector that represents a significant part of the provincial economy, with 109,171 active businesses and over 395,000 employees, equal respectively to 75.3% of non-agricultural businesses and 58% of the province's workforce; more than 96% of businesses have fewer than ten employees ^[1][2].

Confidence and employment

Almost 70% of Turin service-sector businesses consider their performance to have improved or remained stable, while 75% report growing revenues, with a turnover indicator up from 40 to 43 points ^[1][2]. Turin's employment index rises from 46 to 49 points, overtaking the national figure, which fell from 49 to 45: 87% of businesses report employment levels unchanged or improving ^[1][2]. The labour market is most supported by accommodation, catering, business services and food retail, while the situation remains more difficult for non-food retail and logistics ^[2]. Tourism is confirmed as one of the main drivers of the city's economy, with accommodation businesses recording the highest indicators for both revenue and employment ^[2].

Costs and credit

High fuel prices weigh on costs for 77.6% of businesses: for this share, the increase or volatility in prices had a strong or fairly strong impact on overall costs, 64.1% plan to revise their prices within six months and 42% fear negative effects on their competitiveness ^[1]. The effects of climate change also affect the bills of 67.8% of businesses, with consequences for purchasing habits and consumption ^[1]. Requests for credit access for investment rise from 30% to 37% in six months, while those for liquidity and cash flow fall by seven points, from 58% to 51%; 62% of businesses that approach credit institutions obtain the full amount requested ^[1][2]. The balance between business openings and closures remains negative: in the second quarter of the year there were 1,177 new openings against 1,265 closures, a difference of 88 ^[2].

Business requests

Businesses mainly ask trade associations for discounted agreements on energy, fuel, mobility and insurance (49.3%) and support in accessing incentives and grants (48.9%) ^[1]. The president of Confcommercio Ascom Torino, Maria Luisa Coppa, stated that «in a season of uncertainty, Turin shows it has a service sector that does not just hold on, but keeps wanting to build», stressing the need for national and European policies able to stabilise energy costs and support small businesses through the transition ^[1][2].

Sources

1. Terziario Torino, cresce fiducia ma pesano caro carburanti e clima — ANSA Piemonte, 29 October 2026
2. Terziario torinese, tornano assunzioni e investimenti. Ma clima e carburanti pesano sulle imprese — Il Torinese, 30 October 2026