Shop price inflation edges up; clothing prices drop

04 May '11

1 min read

Overall shop price inflation increased marginally to 2.5% in April from 2.4% in March. Food inflation increased to 4.7% in April from 4.0% in March. Non-food inflation slowed to 1.2% in April from 1.5% in March.

Stephen Robertson, British Retail Consortium Director General, said:
"Overall shop price inflation edged up slightly because rising food inflation outweighed slowing non-food inflation. Clothing, footwear and electricals prices were actually down on a year ago and, those prices fell faster than the previous month. In the face of falling consumer confidence, retailers' efforts to generate sales with Easter discounts were key to holding back prices on non-food goods.

Mike Watkins, Senior Manager, Retailer Services, Nielsen comments:
"With higher inflation likely to be with us for the near future, shoppers need to make the most of their more limited budgets and this will include looking for further savings when shopping. Supermarkets have responded by maintaining the highest-ever levels of promotional offers on groceries and non-food retailers are also delivering more price cuts and mid-season sales."

British Retail Consortium

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