Shop price inflation eased back slightly from record highs last month despite another surge in food prices. Food prices soared 15.7%, the highest on record, in April to continue pressure on consumer finances, according to the latest BRC-NielsenIQ shop price index.
However, spring discounting at fashion and furniture stores meant wider retail inflation slowed for the month. The fresh figures reported shop price inflation of 8.8% in April against the same month a year earlier, easing slightly from 8.9% in March.
It came as non-food stores recorded inflation of 5.5% for the month, slipping from 5.9% in March as shops reduced prices in a bid to attract customers. This fall offset the jump in food inflation to 15.7% from 15% in March. Fresh food prices increased by a record 17.8% year-on-year for the month, while the price of ambient products, such as tinned goods and other store-cupboard items, increased 12.9%.
