Cost of Living
This coverage examines how the UK’s ongoing cost-of-living crisis is reshaping the retail landscape. Reporting includes the impact of rising operational costs—such as increased National Insurance contributions and higher minimum wages—on retailers’ margins and employment decisions. Additionally, the content highlights shifts in consumer behaviour, with shoppers prioritising value and reducing discretionary spending. The analysis also addresses the broader economic implications, including store closures and job losses, providing insights for retail professionals navigating these challenges.
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Nov- 2025 -13 NovemberEconomy
UK economy slows to 0.1% in third quarter
The UK’s economic growth slowed to 0.1% in the third quarter, falling short of expectations from City analysts and the Bank of England (BoE). The Office for National Statistics said monthly output slipped 0.1% in September, with earlier figures for July and August revised down. The data arrives ahead of…
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11 NovemberComment
Flexible working: the new norm retailers can’t afford to ignore
Flexible working changed during the pandemic and for many it offered a newfound sense of balance. But five years on, flexibility is under pressure. Across the sector, “return-to-office” mandates are on the rise. John Lewis is one example, now requiring its commercial teams to spend “at least three days a…
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11 NovemberSupermarkets
Grocery inflation eases to 4.7% as supermarkets step up Xmas promotions
Grocery price inflation slowed to 4.7% this month as supermarkets stepped up promotions ahead of Christmas, according to new data from Worldpanel by Numerator. Take-home sales at grocers rose by 3.2% in the four weeks to 2 November compared with the same period last year, with spending on promoted items…
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7 NovemberEntertainment
Footfall drops for sixth consecutive month as shoppers await Budget impact
Retail footfall across the UK fell by 0.7% year on year in October, marking the sixth consecutive monthly decline as shoppers remained wary ahead of a possible tax-raising Budget, according to new BRC-Sensormatic Solutions data. Although footfall continued to remain down, the four-week period to 1 November showed an improvement…
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6 NovemberEconomy
BoE holds interest rates at 4% ahead of Budget
The Bank of England (BoE) has voted to keep interest rates steady at 4% ahead of the upcoming Budget announcement on 26 November. The bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted by a majority of five to four to maintain the rate, with four members voting to reduce it by 0.25…
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Oct- 2025 -23 OctoberEconomy
Usdaw welcomes 6.7% rise in real Living Wage
Retail trade union Usdaw has welcomed a 6.7% increase in the real Living Wage, describing it as “a welcome boost for the lowest-paid workers”. It comes as the Living Wage Foundation announced yesterday (22 October) that the new rates will rise to £13.45 per hour across the UK and £14.80…
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Sep- 2025 -23 SeptemberHigh Street
BRC warns food inflation could stay above 5% until 2026
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has warned that food inflation could remain above 5% well into 2026 if the retail industry faces further tax rises in the Autumn Budget. The trade body said around 4,000 large shops could see higher bills under a government proposal to impose a new business…
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17 SeptemberSupermarkets
Total till sales rise 4.1% amid back to school rush
Total Till sales at UK supermarkets grew (+4.1%) in the last four weeks ending 6th September 2025, up from the +3.7% recorded in August, signalled by the end of Summer holidays as shoppers shifted focus to back to school items and preparations for Christmas celebrations. According to the latest data…
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17 SeptemberEconomy
Inflation holds steady at 3.8% but food prices on the rise
Inflation held steady last month, with a reported rise of 3.8% in the 12 months to August 2025, unchanged from July’s figures. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the August and July figures mark the joint-highest recorded since January 2024, when the rate was 4.0%. It comes as…
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2 SeptemberClothing & Shoes
Levi’s UK warns rising ‘anti-Americanism’ could damage brand
Levi’s UK has warned that a risk of “rising Anti-Americanism” in light of Trump Tariffs and US governmental policies could drive consumers away from US brands and dent its sales in the UK. In its latest filings on Companies House, the group said that consumers may develop an “increasing willingness”…
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