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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Dec- 2025 -17 DecemberFeatures
New Aptos research finds 75% of consumers plan to maintain or increase discretionary spending in 2026
Aptos, a leader in unified commerce solutions, has unveiled its latest consumer research report, “Making Every Moment Matter: Meeting Expectations and Driving Loyalty with Meaningful Store Experiences.” The study, which surveyed 4,000 consumers across the U.S. and the U.K., provides critical insights for retailers on shifting spending habits, the enduring…
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12 DecemberEconomy
UK festive spending set to rise to £24.6bn, PwC survey finds
UK consumers are expected to spend £24.6bn on presents and celebrations this Christmas, a 3.5% increase on last year, according to new research by PwC. PwC’s Festive Predictions Survey forecasts average spending of £461 per adult over the period, up from £449 in 2024, despite continued pressure on household finances…
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8 DecemberSupermarkets
Iceland boss to be appointed Labour peer
Iceland chairman Richard Walker is set to be appointed to the House of Lords as a Labour peer, according to reports from the BBC. Walker left the Conservative Party in 2023, and was later seen at the launch of Labour’s manifesto for the 2024 general election. Labour party sources told…
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Nov- 2025 -27 NovemberEconomy
Budget reaction: Retail split as business rates and import rules shift
The retail industry has labelled the Autumn Budget as a “mixed bag” for retail, offering relief for many shops, but bringing in new costs for others Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered Labour’s first Autumn Statement, outlining permanent business rates reductions for 750,000 retail, hospitality and leisure businesses and confirming new customs…
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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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