BRC price index shows slight rise

The BRC Shop Price Index for March shows that prices have risen fractionally compared with the month before. A 1.2 per cent rise in non-food prices pushed overall shop prices up by 0.53 per cent compared with figures for February.

During March, food items decreased in price for the first time this year, falling by 0.59 per cent compared with the month before.

Looking at year-on-year comparisons, March showed overall shop prices were 0.18 per cent lower than last year. Food prices were 1.34 per cent higher than the same period a year ago, while non-food pricing was 1.1 per cent lower.

BRC director-general Kevin Hawkins said: 'March saw a slight rise in shop prices following the introduction of new seasonal collections. Despite this, retailers have still managed to keep prices lower than last year. Despite pressures on margins, retailers are making every effort to keep prices low to stimulate much-needed sales growth, but consumer confidence is still weak.'