Competitiveness
Helping you understand the external environment and shape the regulatory balance between privacy, innovation, enforcement of consumer and other policies for competitive market for consumers
The retail industry is highly competitive, with clear benefits for customers, colleagues and UK plc.
Alongside governments (both in Westminster, across the Devolved Nations and of our trading partners in other countries), there are multiple regulators who impact the competitive landscape in which you operate, your relationship with your customers and on your business processes and operations.
Good regulation requires a co-operative approach to creation (to avoid unintended consequences) and to enforcement, recognising that reputable businesses are more motivated by a desire to comply with the law and preserve their reputation than the potential for large fines.
Once in place, regular engagement between regulators and businesses on issues of concern and opportunities for clarity on what the law requires helps ensure that retailers remain compliant and regulators do not impose conditions that are poorly designed, disproportionate or go beyond the law (eg through Guidance or undertakings that are not clear as to whether they are voluntary rather than legal requirements).
Helping our members engage effectively with such regulators, navigate the areas that impact your customers, and ensuring the industry remains as competitive as ever, is what we do.
Competitiveness Content
Footfall holds up in August despite riot disruption
Shop prices in deflation for first time in almost three years
Stronger sales when the sun shines
Rising inflation means rising business rates threat
Summer’s arrival boosts clothing and beauty
Footfall in election stumble
PSR's interim report: Card scheme and processing fees
Inflation steady, but uncertainty ahead
CMA finds competition between supermarkets remains ‘effective’
King's Speech 2024 | Analysis
What makes good regulation
Retail sales hit by cold June
Tackling First Party Fraud
Falling inflation for food and clothing
CMA consultation on administrative penalties policy statement
Colder June dulls consumer spend
Opportunity for new government to bring footfall home this summer
Retail’s investment in prices is “paying off”
Warmer May helps retail sales
The PSR respond to our letter about their card scheme and processing fees interim report
Become a member, join a community
Our communities are exclusively for our members. Joining is easier and cheaper than you might think. We have 3 types of membership: Retailer, Associate and Trade Association.