The latest data from the BRC Shop Price Index show that annual shop price inflation in the United Kingdom has picked up, with the indicator rising to 1.5% year-on-year as of 31 August 2026. This marks an acceleration from the previous reading of 0.9%, indicating that retail prices are increasing at a faster pace than in the prior month.
The index measures the change in shop prices compared with the same month a year earlier, providing a snapshot of inflationary pressures on the UK high street. The current 1.5% figure compares the latest month’s prices to those a year ago, while the earlier 0.9% reading reflected the previous month’s prices versus their level a year before. The move higher suggests that cost pressures or pricing power in the retail sector have strengthened recently, a development closely watched by consumers, retailers, and policymakers alike.