British Retail Consortium
This coverage focuses on the British Retail Consortium’s role, initiatives, and influence within the UK retail industry. Reporting includes policy advocacy, industry reports, regulatory developments, public statements, and leadership actions that shape the sector. With a focus on commercial implications and operational challenges, it provides valuable context for retail executives and managers navigating industry-wide issues and strategic decisions.
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May- 2024 -3 MayHigh Street
Retailers face slow start to Spring as footfall declines 7.2% in April
Retailers experienced a slow start to Spring as total UK footfall decreased by 7.2% in April (YoY), down from -1.3% in March, according to the latest figures from the BRC. However, the BRC revealed the figures were slightly distorted due to the earlier Easter which led to tough comparables. High…
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Apr- 2024 -30 AprilNews
Today’s news in brief-30/4/24
Shop price inflation in the UK eased to 0.8% in April, a decrease from 1.3% in March, according to the latest data from the BRC-Nielsen Index. This decline suggests a trend towards normalising inflation levels after reaching a peak last year. The drop was particularly notable in non-food items, which…
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30 AprilEconomy
Shop Price annual inflation falls to 0.8% in April
Shop Price annual inflation eased to 0.8% in April, down from 1.3% in March, as it starts to show “signs of normalising”, according to the latest figures from the BRC-Nielsen Index. Non-Food entered deflation at -0.6% in April, down from 0.2% in the preceding month. This is below the three-month…
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17 AprilHigh Street
BRC calls on PCC candidates to ‘get tough’ on retail crime
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has called on Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) candidates to commit to three pledges that would support the fight against “spiralling” retail crime ahead of local elections on 2 May. As part of its #GetToughOnRetailCrime campaign, the three pledges are as follows: Make retail crime…
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10 AprilGovernment
Assault of retail staff to be made specific criminal offence
The Government has announced that assaulting a retail worker will be made a standalone criminal offence and serial or abusive shoplifters will face tougher punishments under new laws included in its Criminal Justice Bill. Perpetrators could be sent to prison for up to six months, receive an unlimited fine and…
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9 AprilEconomy
Easter helps retail sales jump 3.5% in March
UK Total retail sales increased by 3.5% year on year in March, as the early Easter helped boost performance for the month, according to the latest BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor. The increase was above the three-month average growth of 2.1% and the 12-month average growth of 2.9%. It comes as…
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8 AprilClothing & Shoes
BRC boss warns greenwashing crackdown will discourage retailers
The CEO of the British Retail Consortium, Helen Dickinson, has warned that the CMA’s crackdown on greenwashing risks retailers scaling back their sustainability efforts. Dickinson’s comments to The Times follows the CMA’s announcement that it had secured “landmark changes” after the authority investigated the eco-friendly claims made by Asos, Boohoo…
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Mar- 2024 -22 MarchEconomy
Retail sales flatline in rainiest February on record
UK retail sales experienced no growth (0.0%) in February, down from 3.6% in the month prior, as wet weather discouraged store sales, according to the latest figures released by the ONS. While the latest figures were still ahead of expectations for a 0.4% decline, food and fuel sellers felt the…
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19 MarchHigh Street
Primark trials ‘sold’ stickers as anti-theft deterrent
Primark UK has started trialling a new anti-theft measure, which sees checkout staff at some of the fashion retailer’s branches seal up paper carrier bags with blue “sold” stickers. This measure means that any customers carrying bags without the stickers will be stopped at the door by store security guards. …
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7 MarchNews
Today’s news in brief-7/3/24
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) criticised Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s Spring Budget, stating that it lacked initiatives to boost investment and growth in communities, particularly for retail businesses. Despite calls to reduce business rates and reintroduce tax-free shopping for tourists, Hunt’s budget did not address these concerns. The BRC emphasised the…
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