For the first time in decades, consumption of basics, such as food, household goods and cosmetics, fell in 2012 by 0.6%, according to a survey by leading research company Nielsen.
The reasons given for this decline are the crisis, reduced immigration and rising prices.
In 2012, household spending on such products was €70.700 million, which is a 0.6% increase on the previous year. So, people are buying less but it is costing them more due to all the price increases.