// Shop prices slid 1.3%in July, as non-food products dropped in value
// This represented a slowdown in deflation from June, when prices fell by 1.6%
// Non-food prices fell by 2.9% in July, while food inflation remained steady at 1.5%
Shop prices fell again in July as high street stores continue to try and tempt people back through their doors post-lockdown, according to new figures.
The latest BRC-Nielsen Shop Price Index revealed that shop prices slid 1.3 per cent in July, as non-food products dropped in value.
However, this represented a slowdown in deflation from June, when prices fell by 1.6 per cent.
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BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said this was driven by a decrease in the number of promotions on some non-food products such as electricals and furniture amid “pent-up demand” from customers.
Non-food prices fell by 2.9 per cent in July compared with 3.4 per cent in June, according to the monthly index.
Meanwhile, food inflation remained steady at 1.5 per cent in July, the third consecutive month when prices increased at the same rate.
The price of fresh food increased by 0.9 per cent in July as inflation accelerated, although this was offset by a slowdown in inflation for ambient food, which grew by 2.3 per cent for the month.
“Falling prices at tills is good news for shoppers and will hopefully tempt more people on to our high streets and retail destinations,” Dickinson said.
“This remains a difficult time for the industry as a whole and government could help to mitigate this by supporting retailers and landlords over rent costs and taking action to boost consumer demand.
“Without this, we may see many more store closures and subsequent job losses.”
Nielsen head of retailer insight Mike Watkins said: “There was no further upwards pressure on shop prices in food during July and deflation continues across the non-food channels.
“Now that all of retail has reopened for business, keeping prices stable will be important as it’s going to be difficult for retailers to second guess the strength of consumer spend with social distancing measures continuing, and consumer confidence still low.”
with PA Wires
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