Shop price deflation remains low in April

Shop prices continued to fall in April, albeit at a slower pace, falling 1.9% compared with the same time last year following a record low of 2.1% in March. 

This is according to the latest BRC-Nielsen Shop Price Index which found on a 12-month average basis, the index reported deflation of 1.7%.

Non-food deflation decelerated to 2.5% in April compared with a 2.8% decline in March, while food reported annual deflation of 0.9% in April for the second consecutive month.

Helen Dickinson, director general at the BRC, said: “The falling prices of non-food goods slowed down very slightly, whilst offering up great deals on clothing, electricals, books, stationery, home entertainment, DIY, gardening and hardware.

“April saw the 24th consecutive month of falling shop prices and the 25th consecutive month of falling non-food prices. These trends help to illustrate how retail has helped the consumer keep the cost of living down in recent years.”