UK retailers hit by sharp drop in spending as inflation soars

The BRC says retailers are struggling to avoid passing on higher costs to customers and wants the government to help through lower business rates. Photograph: M McLean/Rex/Shutterstock

Britain’s retailers are suffering the sharpest drop in spending since the depths of the coronavirus pandemic as hard-pressed consumers tighten their belts as a result of soaring inflation.

The monthly health check from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) reported a third successive drop in activity as the cost of living crisis continued to bite.