the end of the crisis? Consumer spending in 2014 GfK forecasts suggest that private household spending in Germany is set to increase by 1.5% in real terms in 2014. The organisation expects increases of between 0.5% and 1.0% for the European Union as a whole. This means that private consumer spending in Germany is forecast to grow much more strongly than last year, providing sustained support to the domestic economy. GfK is predicting significant rises in food and drink sales, whereas other areas of retail are expected to enjoy only modest growth. DEUTSCHEEUROSHOPANNUALREPORT2013/SHOPPING 049