That is above the three-month common of -0.6%, in line with the Store Value Index by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and world advertising analysis agency NielsenIQ (NIQ).
Non-food inflation elevated to -1.9% yr on yr in March, in contrast with -2.1% in February. That is in keeping with the three-month common of -1.9%.
Elsewhere, meals inflation rose to 2.4% year-on-year in March, up from 2.1% in February. That is larger than the three-month common of two.0%.
Helen Dickinson, CEO of BRC, stated: “Costs fell for many non-food classes, which saved yr on yr total store costs in deflation, however at a lowered fee in comparison with February. Clothes and footwear was in double-digit deflation on account of weak shopper demand.
“With retailers bracing for vital further prices which kick in later this week on account of the Funds, inflation will seemingly speed up within the coming months. Together with new packaging taxes later this yr, retailers shall be shouldering a further £7bn in prices.”
Mike Watkins, head of retailer and enterprise perception of NIQ, additionally commented: “There’s competitors on the excessive road as retailers look to drag in reluctant consumers with seasonal promotions.
“Nevertheless, with upwards strain on costs, retailers might also want some focussed value cuts to assist footfall within the run-up to the late Easter.”
