Trade association warns of 'atrocious April' as shop price inflation rises

The British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA) has voiced serious concerns over the latest figures from the BRC-NIQ Shop Price Index for March 2025.

Speaking about the report, which can be downloaded from the BRC website, 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.

Also reported:

• Shop price inflation increased to -0.4 per cent year on year in March, against a decline of -0.7 per cent in February. This is above the 3-month average of -0.6 per cent.
• Non-Food inflation increased to -1.9 per cent year on year in March, against a decline of -2.1 per cent in February. This is inline with the 3-month average of -1.9 per cent.
• Food inflation increased to 2.4 per cent year on year in March, against growth of 2.1 per cent in February. This is above the 3-month average of 2.0 per cent.
• Fresh Food inflation decreased to 1.4 per cent year on year in March, against growth of 1.5 per cent in February. This is above the 3-month average of 1.3 per cent.
• Ambient Food inflation increased to 3.7 per cent year on year in March, against growth of 2.8 per cent in February. This is above the 3-month average of 3.0 per cent.

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 per cent 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."