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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Jan- 2022 -5 JanuarySupermarkets
Grocery sales hit £11.7bn in December
Take-home grocery sales reached £11.7bn in December alone as shoppers upped their spending to celebrate Christmas, according to the latest figures from Kantar. Over the 12 weeks to 26 December 2021, shoppers spent £31.7bn primarily boosted by the December performance. Although down by 3.0% compared with 2020, spending remains higher…
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5 JanuaryNews
Price rises to pick up momentum in 2022
Shop price annual inflation accelerated to 0.8% in December, up from 0.3% in November with prices set to rise in the new year, according to a latest study from the BRC. The increase of 0.3% is above the 12 and six month average price decreases of 0.9% and 0.3%, respectively.…
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Dec- 2021 -22 DecemberNews
Asda strike looms amid ‘unacceptable’ pay offer
GMB has announced that strike action at Asda has moved closer after thousands of workers said they were ready to walk out over the company’s “failure to make an acceptable pay offer”. The association’s representatives will meet after the next pay talks to agree the next steps in moving to…
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14 DecemberClothing & Shoes
Joules lowers H1 profit guidance amid global supply issues
Retailer Joules expects to report lower pre-tax profits for the 26-week period ending 28 November ranging from £2m to £2.5m, compared with last year’s result of £3.7m. The lower profit expectation was attributed to the “well-documented” global supply chain issues which have resulted in some higher costs and stock delays…
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6 DecemberNews
Tesco set for Christmas shortages amid strike action
Tesco shoppers in many parts of the UK “face empty shelves” in the run-up to Christmas as members of Unite, the UK’s leading union, announced strike action in a dispute over pay. It revealed the strike is a result of Tesco offering the workers “just a four percent pay increase”,…
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3 DecemberDIY
Wickes ups profit guidance amid ‘strong’ Q4 sales
Wickes has increased its full-year earnings expectations after a “strong” fourth-quarter trading period, with profit expected to be no less than £83m. It revealed the firm has “benefitted” from its “balanced business model”, with sales in line with expectations. Delivered sales in Do It For Me (DIFM) are “strengthening” as…
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Nov- 2021 -24 NovemberComment
The £15bn question – are you still investing in instore expertise?
With the Golden Quarter in full swing and the risk of another lockdown receding, it feels like physical retailers can finally focus on the future and doing what they do best. Namely serving the varied interests and needs of our nation of shoppers. While the terminals are processing payments, amidst…
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23 NovemberSupply Chain
AO warns of profit hit amid supply chain issues
AO has warned that its full-year revenue could be hit by ongoing supply chain disruptions, with revenue now expected to be flat to minus 5% against FY21. It comes as “meaningful” supply chain challenges in its second half of trading have led to poor availability in certain categories, particularly in…
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19 NovemberEconomy
UK Consumer Confidence improves in November despite high inflation
UK consumer confidence improved by three points in November despite concerns over rising inflation, according to GfK’s Consumer Confidence Index. GfK revealed that four of the index’s measures increased during the period, with a seven-point jump in the major purchase index indicating “good news” for retailers in the run-up to…
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19 NovemberEconomy
Retail sales return to growth in October
October Retail sales volumes rose by 0.8%, according to the latest data by the Office of National Statistics (ONS). Non-food stores also saw a rise in sales volumes by 4.2% during the period, with second-hand stores, toy stores and sports equipment stores growing by 6.2%. Meanwhile, clothing stores sales volumes…
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