“While many developed countries are still recovering from the 2008 global financial crisis, the Brazilian economy has been growing since 2010, driven by domestic demand, more specifically by middle-class families. If 2011 was a year of balanced development, with government measures to leverage this consumption, in 2012, at the height of this process, investors’ fears of payment default started being reflected in rising interest rates, prices, and strict payment installments on purchases of new items.

– Sheila Salina, Lifestyle Analyst

This report describes the 2013 economic situation from consumers’ point of view. Faced with an austere scenario (compared to the last two years), which categories stood out in terms of Brazilian consumers’ preference? Medium-term outlook shows that there is some potential for small to medium value household items, as well as short duration leisure activities.