Shop price inflation falls on back of heavy discounting by retailers

Shop price inflation fell in April on the back of heavy discounting by retailers amid warnings consumers are yet to see the “full force” of the Middle East conflict.

Shop prices overall are now 1% higher than last April, down from 1.2% in March and below the three-month average of 1.1%, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and NIQ.

Non-food prices are 0.1% cheaper year-on-year, against growth of 0.1% in March.

Food inflation also fell from March’s 3.4% to 3.1% while fresh food prices are 3.9% higher than last April.

BRC Chief Executive Helen Dickinson said: “Bigger discounts in clothing, furniture and DIY goods helped pull down shop price inflation in April.

“With weakening consumer confidence, retailers competed harder on price to stimulate more spring spending.

“While we’re yet to see the full force of the Middle East conflict feeding into consumer prices, it will not be long before it begins to.”

Mike Watkins, Head of Retailer & Business Insight at NIQ, added: "Increased fuel prices are already leading to higher inflation and we can expect a similar impact in the food and non-food supply chains in the months to come.

"However, retailers will look to hold back any price increases as long as possible as alongside fragile consumer confidence, accelerating inflation is likely to negatively affect consumer spending."