Inflation
This coverage analyses the impact of inflation on the UK retail industry, focusing on costs, pricing strategies, consumer spending, and operational challenges. Reporting highlights economic trends, retailer responses, supply chain pressures, and leadership decisions to manage margins and demand. Designed for executives and managers, it offers insights to navigate inflationary pressures while maintaining competitiveness.
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May- 2025 -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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27 MayHigh Street
Monsoon owner sees FY losses widen to £7.5m
Monsoon and Accessorize owner, Adena Brands Limited, has reported a £7.5m loss before tax and an EBITDA loss of £2.4m for the year to 31 August 2024, due to “significant” cost inflation which was driven by the UK National Minimum Wage rise. The loss also comes as group sales for…
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21 MayEconomy
Inflation jumps to 3.5% in April
Inflation increased to 3.5% in April, according to the latest figures for the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which it blamed on a “significant increase” in household bills. The 12-month inflation rate for housing and household services was 7.0% in April 2025, up from 5.1% in March. On a monthly…
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20 MayHigh Street
Greggs sales surge 7.4% to £784m
Greggs has reported a 7.4% increase in total sales to £784m (2024: £730m) for the 20 weeks of 2025, driven by store expansion and product innovation. Its like-for-like (LFL) sales in company-managed shops also grew by 2.9%, with improved performance in the last 11 weeks supported by better trading conditions.…
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13 MayFeatures
What does the new Employment Rights Bill mean for retailers?
The Employment Rights Bill, slated for major implementation in autumn 2026, is being hailed by the government as a bold step forward for workers’ rights. But for the retail sector – a cornerstone of the UK economy that employs over three million people – the swift nature of the proposed…
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8 MayEconomy
BoE cuts interest rates to 4.25%
The Bank of England (BoE) has cut interest rates to 4.25%, down from the previous rate of 4.5%, marking the fourth rate cut since last year’s peak of 5.25%. At its meeting ending on 7 May, the bank’s monetary policy committee (MPC) voted by a majority of 5–4 to reduce…
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7 MayFeatures
Poundland: what does the future hold for the discount retailer?
Poundland, once the epitome of the UK’s discount retail scene, finds itself at a crossroads as it navigates shifting consumer behaviors, rising operational costs, and an evolving market landscape. As the cost-of-living crisis deepens and consumer preferences shift, the discount retail sector faces a host of challenges. For Poundland, staying…
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Apr- 2025 -29 AprilNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-29/4/25
Primark reported a 1% rise in sales to £4.47bn in the first half of the year, with adjusted operating profit up 8% to £540m. However, UK and Ireland sales fell by 4% due to cautious consumer spending and mild autumn weather affecting seasonal purchases. The retailer’s market share in the…
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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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16 April
Today’s news in brief-16/4/25
Inflation in the UK fell more than expected to 2.6% in March 2025, down from 2.8% in February, driven by declines in petrol prices and recreation and culture costs, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The largest downward contributions came from motor fuels, housing, and household services, while…
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