Grocers in the United Kingdom slowed for the first time in six months, providing a comfort for families who are struggling with the pressure of continuous living costs.
According to the latest data from Kantar, supermarket prices increased by 3.3 % in January, a decrease from 3.7 % in December. The costs of the toilet and cat roll decreased, while chocolate, butter and refrigerated juices rose up.
Analysts suggest that the intense competition between retailers has helped reduce inflation, as promotional offers have risen to the highest levels in four years. More than a quarter of all sales – 27.2 % – in the four weeks until January 26 was on reduced elements, an increase of 9.4 % in the broader market. “The supermarkets were subject to discounts in this new year, and consumers responded. The spending on promotional offers increased year on an annual basis by 274 million pounds,” said Fraser McVette, President of Kantar, retail and consumer.
Meanwhile, the private naming ranges-especially the distinguished lines-achieved a record of 52.3 % of the total supermarket sales. Consumers’ request contributed to high -quality budget alternatives to the transformation of purchase patterns during the ceremonial period until the new year.
The official data showed the total inflation in the UK to 2.5 % in December, a decrease from 2.6 % in November, increasing the expectations that the Bank of England could reduce its basic price from 4.75 %. However, grocery sales have increased by only 2.8 %, and they fail to inflation – a sign that shoppers may pick up lower or cheaper elements because they balance their budgets.
Among the individual supermarkets, Lidl recorded the fastest growth, with sales increased by 7.4 %, while ASDA was the only main series that sees its 5.2 % decrease. Tesco, the largest supermarket in the United Kingdom, has benefited from the weakness of its opponent, which increased its market share to 28.5 %. OCADO’s groceries kept its title as the fastest growing segmentation store in the ninth month, an increase of 11.3 %, and Marks & Spencer also provided participation in a strong performance, as store sales increased by 10.5 %.