Overall shop prices reported deflation of 1.7% in March from the 2% decline in February, finds the latest BRC-Nielsen Shop Price Index. Non-food deflation rose to 2.6% in March from the 3% fall in February.
Helen Dickinson OBE, BRC chief executive, says: “This month shoppers can celebrate three years of falling non-food prices. While non-food deflation slowed to 2.6% in March, lower than the 3% reported over the last three months, March was the 36th month in which consumers have benefitted from falling prices. March also marked the 35th month of falling overall prices.
“Overall, shop prices fell by 1.7% last month compared to March 2015 as a result of continuing intense competition and retailers ongoing investment in price.
“Despite consumer confidence remaining at zero, a relatively benign economic environment (inflation remains very low and oil is trading at just under $40 per barrel) and a fiercely competitive market will see retailers continue to respond to their customers with prices and promotions to maintain market share as the spring season kicks off.”
Mike Watkins, head of retailer and business insight, Nielsen, comments: “Shoppers are still making changes to how they spend to stay within their household budget and looking out for price cuts and promotions is one of the ways to save money. So with shop prices continuing to be lower than a year ago this is good news for shoppers. With spring arriving, retailers will be hoping that this drives store traffic as so far this year, retail sales have been rather unpredictable.”
