negozio

Negozi (singular negozio) are commercial establishments where goods or services are offered for sale to the public. In Italian usage, the term encompasses both physical storefronts and online shops. A negozio may specialize in a single category, such as food or clothing, or function as a general retailer with a varied inventory. Phrases such as negozio di alimentari or negozio di moda are common to specify the line of business.

The word derives from the Italian noun negozio, related to negoziare "to negotiate" and ultimately to Latin negotium or negoti-, meaning business or trade. The sense has shifted over time from trade activities to the place where trade is conducted.

Shopping formats include negozio al dettaglio (retail store) and negozio all'ingrosso (wholesale store). Traditional terms such as bottega or merceria describe smaller, specialty shops. In contemporary contexts, negozio online or e-commerce platforms extend retail activity to the digital realm; pop-up negozi are temporary storefronts used for testing markets or promotions.

Typical features of a negozio include a display window (vetrina), interior layout organized by category, a point of sale, and staff that assist customers. Location, branding, and customer service influence competitiveness; regulation governs labeling, safety, and consumer rights.

In Italy, negozi operate under civil and commercial law and are subject to consumer protection regulations, tax obligations, and licensing requirements. Retailers collect VAT (IVA) and must issue invoices or receipts, maintain records, and respect privacy and data protection rules when processing customer information.