Retail Prices Slip Down, Marking Fifth Straight Month of Lower Inflation

Retail Prices Keep Cooling Down: Shop Inflation Is at Its Lowest Since August 2023

Hey shoppers and price‑watchers! The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has dropped its latest numbers, and it looks like the months‑long price marathon is finally stopping. Grab a cup of tea – this could be the news you’ve been waiting for.

Spotlight on the Math: October’s Numbers in a Nutshell

Overall shop prices rose 5.2 % this October, a drop from September’s 6.2 %.
Food inflation fell to 8.8 %, down from 9.9 % in September.
Fresh produce prices slid to 8.3 %.
Non‑food items—think cosmetics, gadgets, and more—took a hit, easing to 3.4 %.

All in all, the BRC’s Nielsen Shop Price Index signals that shops are finally giving us a breather. Prices are at their lowest point since last August, which feels like a breath of fresh, less pricey air.

Hear from the Trailblazers Behind the Numbers

Helen Dickinson, the BRC chief executive, said the big picture is pretty straightforward:

“Retailers have been battling hard to keep prices down for their customers, juggling rising transport costs, high interest rates, and other input costs. To keep inflation on a good track, it’s vital that the Government doesn’t burden businesses with unnecessary new costs.”
“Without immediate action from the Chancellor, retailers could face an extra £470 million a year in business rates. That would mean the progress we’ve made could all evaporate. Eventually, it’s the consumers who’ll feel the price’s sting.”

Meanwhile, Mike Watkins of NielsenIQ on retail insights offered a sharper look at the consumer side:

“Inflation has helped boost the top‑line sales for many food retailers this year, but in reality shoppers have been paying more—meaning they’re buying less. The rest of the retail trade has seen a slower benefit because discretionary spend is under pressure.”
“Just a year ago, households felt the pinch from fuel, energy, and food inflation. As the surge slows, we need a lift in sentiment to push retail sales higher over the next eight weeks.”

Why This Matters for Your Wallet

Short story: Prices on the shelves are creeping down, which is great news for anyone watching the budget. While we’re still shackled by rising energy costs, the downward run in shop inflation shows the market’s resilience. If policymakers keep support flowing, we’re more likely to see real gains in consumers’ pockets.

So, next time you hit the supermarket, keep an eye on the price tags. They might just be getting lighter – or at least a bit more likeable.