Consumers Bear the Brunt of Unprecedented Inflation

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Inflation’s Wild Ride in 2023: What It Means for Your Wallet\
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\The headline‑grabber – inflation hit a 45‑year high of 19.6% in March, the fiercest in a generation. Even as the squeeze loosens a bit, prices are still about 9% above last year’s levels, and that’s a bruise for millions of households.\
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Food Prices: A Sticky Situation\
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Food policy head Sue Davies throws a magnifying glass on the problem: “Prices keep climbing. Some staples like butter and spreads are cheaper than their year‑ago cousins, but everyday essentials? They’re still steep, sometimes higher than before the cost‑of‑living crisis.\”
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• \Budget range items stay the cheapest on supermarket shelves, yet they’re not always in the small, handy stores that many people rely on.

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• \Convenience stores – where you need it most – can still feel like a luxury.

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• Shop owners are urged to broaden affordable options in smaller branches.\

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The Bigger Picture – Global Pressures Backing the Inflationary Bubble\
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Balwinder Dhoot, sustainability boss at the Food and Drink Federation, highlights that while some raw‑material prices fall, they’re still 21% higher than pre‑pandemic levels. Notable spikes: cocoa at a 25‑year peak and olive oil nearly doubling from last year.\

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Add to that recent chaos in the Red Sea – shipping rates up 10% since the month’s start – and you’ve got a recipe for inflation fires.\

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War in Ukraine: A Sharp Reminder of Market Gaps\
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The conflict has exposed the UK’s vulnerabilities in wholesale supply. Millions have endured another year of soaring energy prices, putting even more strain on household budgets.\

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What Can You Do?\
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• Shop the aisles that carry the budget range where you’re comfortable.\

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• Use coupons and loyalty cards – they’re a hacker’s best friend.\

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• Carry a small list of essential items; steering clear of impulse buys is the quickest way to keep excess.\

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• Check local stores for bulk deals – a bit of pre‑purchasing can cushion the price shocks.\

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• Watch the news on food price trends—knowledge is power, even when prices roll.\

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• Consider community goods groups or local co‑op markets that sometimes offer lower rates.\

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• When possible, try cooking a bit more at home. Cooking for yourself is often cheaper than cursing the price tag on a take‑away.\

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Inflation might be a looming storm, but with a bit of strategy and a dash of humor, you can still sail through it without breaking the bank.\


Andrew Goodacre Talks 2024: A Bit of a Sticky Situation

Good morning, shopkeepers and industry insiders! Andrew Goodacre, the chief executive of the British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA), spilled some tea about what’s coming under the new year’s sky.

Optimism? A Remembered Past

“Usually the calendar flips open with a breath of optimism,” he chuckles, “but 2024 is looking like another rugged battlefield.”

Why It’s Going to Be Rough

• “There’s still a strong undercurrent of pessimism in the economy.”
• “Inflation is poised to plateau – so we’re not cutting corners on prices.”
• “Interest rates will stay put for the foreseeable future.”

Key Takeaway for Retailers

All that matters? Economic stability. “It’s the bedrock we need to roll our eyes, focus, and forge a path toward recovery.”

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