David Lonsdale, retail boss, warns UK shops face price hikes and job cuts as inflation and costs keep climbing.
Recent revisions to UK retail sales data reveal lower growth than initially reported, due to errors in seasonal adjustment. July sales increased by 0.6%, driven by online shopping and good weather, but three-month figures show a decline. Data delays and corrections highlight ongoing issues at the ONS.
Food inflation in the UK is projected to reach 5.7% by the end of 2025, driven by rising costs from regulation, labour, and packaging. Supermarkets like Aldi report increased sales but warn that further government taxes could push prices higher. Consumer confidence remains cautious amid inflation and political uncertainty.