Deflation
This coverage examines deflation and its implications for the UK retail sector, focusing on price trends, consumer behaviour, and business strategy in a declining price environment. Reporting highlights economic indicators, sector responses, and challenges retailers face in maintaining margins and demand during periods of deflation. Retail executives, finance managers, and strategists can use these insights to plan for shifting market conditions.
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Jul- 2025 -15 JulyHigh Street
Spring heatwave drives B&M sales up 4% to £1.4bn
B&M saw its first quarter revenues rise 4.4% to £1.4bn for the 13 weeks ended 28 June 2025, following warmer weather in the Spring. B&M UK saw its like-for-like sales rise 1.3%, driven by a good performance in April from its general merchandise outdoor ranges assisted by drier weather and…
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1 JulyEconomy
Shop prices return to inflation as retailers struggle to shoulder costs
Shop price inflation increased to 0.4% year on year in June, compared with a decline of 0.1% in May, as retailers grappled with increases to minimum wage and employer national insurance costs. Furthermore, non-food inflation increased to -1.2% year on year in June, against a decline of 1.5% in May.…
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May- 2025 -28 MayHigh Street
Pets at Home FY profits rise 14% to £120m despite flat revenues
Pets at Home has seen its profit before tax rise 14% to £120.6m for the year ended 27 March 2025, following strong growth in its veterinary sector. Its vet group consumer revenue was up 13%, with record sales supported by higher visits, average transaction values and significant growth in Care…
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27 MayEconomy
Fresh food prices drive food inflation up 2.8% in May
Food inflation increased to 2.8% year-on-year in May, rising for the fourth consecutive month, driven by a surge in the cost of fresh food, according to the BRC-NIQ Shop Price Index. It found that Fresh Food inflation increased to 2.4%, against growth of 1.8% in April. This is above the…
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Apr- 2025 -29 AprilEconomy
Food inflation rises alongside labour costs
Food inflation increased to 0.1% in April, against a decline of -0.4% in March, as prices rose alongside increased labour costs, according to the latest figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC). It comes as non-food inflation increased to -1.4% year-on-year in April, against a decline of -1.9% in March.…
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1 AprilNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-1/4/25
Retailers are bracing for a £5.56bn rise in costs following the implementation of recent Budget measures, including higher National Insurance contributions and an increased minimum wage. According to Retail Economics, these changes will force businesses to absorb £1.76bn in profit losses while passing £1.72bn onto consumers through price hikes. Chancellor…
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1 AprilEconomy
Retailers refrain from price rises despite looming costs, BRC finds
Retailers did not resort to price rises throughout March, according to the latest BRC-NIQ Shop Price Index, despite rising cost pressures. It comes as high street retailers are competing for reluctant shoppers, who are more likely to be pulled in with seasonal promotions. Mike Watkins, head of retailer and business…
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Mar- 2025 -4 MarchEconomy
Shop price inflation remains at 0.7% despite surge in food prices
Shop price inflation remained in deflation at 0.7% in February, after also falling to -0.7% in January, according to data from the British Retail Consortium. However, this comes despite food inflation increasing to 2.1% year on year in February, an increase from the 1.6% rise in January and above the…
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Jan- 2025 -28 JanuaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-28/1/25
HMV owner Doug Putman is reportedly exploring a bid for WH Smith’s high street arm after the retailer announced plans to sell its 500-store chain. Modella Capital, owner of Hobbycraft, is also in talks regarding a potential acquisition, although the outcome remains unclear. WH Smith’s move comes as its high…
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28 JanuaryEconomy
January sales see shop price deflation hit 0 .7%
January sales helped shop price deflation reach 0.7% in January, above deflation of 1.0% in the previous month, as retailers attempted to attract post-Christmas shoppers, according to the latest figures from the BRC-NilesenIQ Shop Price Index. Shop price annual growth is at its lowest rate since August 2021 as non-food…
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