The BRC (British Retail Consortium) has reported that inflation levels have “returned to normal levels” at 0.6% in May, down from 0.8% in April.
This is below the three-month average rate of 0.9% and it stated that shop price annual growth is at its lowest since November 2021.
Chief Executive of the BRC, Helen Dickinson, said: “Shop price inflation has returned to normal levels, at just 0.6%. This was helped by slowing food inflation, with fresh food inflation falling to its lowest level since November 2021. Meanwhile, ambient food inflation remained stickier, especially for sugary products which continued to feel the effects of high global sugar prices.
“In non-food, retailers cut furniture prices in an attempt to revive subdued consumer demand for big-ticket items, and football fans have been able to grab some bargains on TVs and other audio-visual equipment ahead of this summer’s Euros.
“Retailers are playing a key part in bringing inflation down, but future government policy must support this too. Retail plays a key role in every part of the country, from the smallest village to the largest city, employing millions of people, and serving millions more. As the cost burden of new policies rises – from business rates to packaging taxes – this affects not just the businesses, but their customers too.
“With an election in a matter of weeks, it is vital that parties detail their support for customers and retailers in their upcoming manifestos.”
Labour has outlined its five-point plan for British highstreets – read more about it here.
The BRC also reported that non-food products remained in deflation at -0.8% in May, down from -0.6% in the preceding month; this is below the 3-month average rate of -0.4%. Inflation is its lowest since October 2021.
“After a number of months of falling input prices, we are now seeing food inflation stabilise and retailers continue to pass on price cuts to shoppers,” commented Mike Watkins, Head of Retailer and Business Insight at NielsenIQ.
“Across the industry whilst inflationary pressure has eased and there is some improvement in shopper sentiment, the unseasonable weather has dampened retail sales so lower prices look set to continue and promotional activity is likely to increase drive demand.”
