The British Independent Retailers Association has voiced serious concerns over the latest figures from the BRC-NIQ Shop Price Index for March 2025.
Speaking about the BRC report released today (1), Bira, which represents over 6,000 independent businesses across the UK, highlighted that while overall shop prices remain in deflation, the acceleration of food inflation poses significant challenges for both retailers and consumers.
According to BRC report, food inflation increased to 2.4 per cent year on year in March, with ambient food inflation increasing to 3.7 per cent year on year in March.
Fresh Food inflation decreased to 1.4 per cent.
Commenting on the report, Andrew Goodacre, Bira CEO said, "The retail market continues to show a concerning split with essential categories such as food showing increased inflation while non-essential sectors are forced into deflation to drive sales.
"Food inflation has a disproportionate impact on consumer spending habits, significantly reducing demand for non-food items that many independent retailers specialise in.
"We're facing what can only be described as an 'Atrocious April' for independent retailers.
"Non-food shops are already experiencing deflation and reduced margins, and will now see costs rise by inflation-busting amounts – business rates up by 140% and the National Living Wage increasing by 6.7 per cent.
"The Spring Statement did nothing to bolster consumer confidence. It's an 'Awful April' for consumers, but an even more atrocious one for independent retailers."
Expressing similar concern, Helen Dickinson said today (1), "Across food, price inflation rose year-on-year, with ambient food seeing the highest increase. For example, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages both saw price increases due to changes to duties and the hangover from high global sugar prices.
“With retailers bracing for significant extra costs which kick in later this week as a result of the Budget, inflation will likely accelerate in the coming months.
"Along with new packaging taxes later this year, retailers will be shouldering an additional £7bn in costs. It is crucial that the Employment Rights Bill and business rates reform don’t further inflate costs and increase red tape.”
