All BRC articles
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News
Shop prices stay deflated for most non-food categories
Shop prices remained deflated in March, with most non-food categories driving this fall despite retailers facing increased costs from the budget.
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Opinion
‘On Covid’s five-year anniversary, remember the retail staff who worked day in, day out’
During lockdown, retail employees kept the UK going, putting themselves at risk of the virus while most of us were being told to stay at home. BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson and shopworkers’ union boss Paddy Lillis pay tribute to them and make a plea for respect
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Interview
Retail Week Awards 2025: Andy Higginson on crises, competition and customers wanting it all
Andy Higginson has played a key part in transforming the retail landscape and consumer expectations, as well as fighting for the interests of the whole industry.
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News
Consumer confidence stabilises as Gen Z gears up to spend
Consumer confidence has stabilised in March following a record low in February, with younger shoppers, particularly Gen Z consumers, expected to spend more.
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News
Shop prices remain in deflation but this is set to be short lived
Shop prices have remained in a state of deflation in February, but there are warnings that inflation can rise due to recent price hikes, geopolitical tensions, and the £7bn in added retail costs.
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Analysis
New BRC manifesto outlines how retail can drive economic growth
The retail sector has been battling rising crime, Budget policies, shop closures and higher costs.
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News
Part-time retail jobs ‘at risk’ due to the impact from the Budget
Around one in 10 part-time jobs could be at risk due to the impact of the Budget and upcoming regulatory changes, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) warned.
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News
Bill making assaulting a shopworker an offence enters parliament
The Crime and Policing Bill, which will also introduce harsher penalties for shoplifting of items under £200, will be put before parliament on Tuesday.
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Data
Forget Blue Monday, growth in UK retail sales was another positive surprise from January
The release of the ONS’ retail sales on Friday was the latest in a surprisingly positive flurry of economic indicators in what is supposed to be the saddest month of the year
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News
Consumer confidence hits ‘new low’ as energy bills rise looms
Consumer sentiment has stepped back this month, when confidence in the state of the economy fell.
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News
BRC boss urges retailers to focus on innovation rather than cut costs in Budget response
The chief executive of the BRC has urged retailers to “stay focused on the innovative end and customer deliver” rather than just cut costs in response to the Budget.
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Opinion
‘The vibecession is lingering but things should be more positive heading into summer’
The retail landscape is likely to remain challenging but it’s also ripe with opportunities for those willing to pivot towards growth, believes PwC’s Lisa Hooker
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Feature
Automation: What does retail look like in a post-Budget world?
As retail navigates a world post-Budget, Retail Week looks at who is looking at automation as an aid, and how this will impact both customers and millions in the workforce.
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Opinion
‘Retail prices will rise as the pressures from the Budget take effect’
Rates reform is some distance away and new employment regulations are still to play out, so retailers will be rolling up their sleeves to tackle the challenges of the coming year says BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson
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News
December retail sales grow but the BRC warns of falling sales volumes in 2025
Retail sales in December inch up due to the late Black Friday trading period, but the BRC warns of possible falling sales in 2025.
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News
BRC has warned of a ‘challenging year’ to come for retailers
Trade body the BRC has cautioned that a difficult 2025 lies ahead as jittery consumer confidence and rising costs pile pressure on retailers.
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News
Retail sheds 225,000 jobs in five years with Budget heaping on further pain
The sector shed over 225,000 jobs over the last half a decade, with the Budget set to heap further pain on retailers, warns the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
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News
Chancellor sticks to her guns at Budget meeting with retail leaders
Retail representatives have met chancellor Rachel Reeves to detail industry concern over the extra costs imposed in the recent Budget.
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News
Cash payments remain vital for retailers and customers, according to new survey
A new survey by the British Retail Consortium has reiterated the importance of cash to the sector, despite the growing uptake of cash-free transactions.
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News
Increasing shop prices herald return of inflation, BRC warns
The British Retail Consortium has warned we are beginning to see the return of inflation due to the measures announced in the Budget, as shop prices rose in October.