Major British retailers saw more than £2 billion wiped from their market value as mounting cost pressures and economic uncertainties cast a shadow over the retail sector. Despite strong festive sales performances, retail giants Tesco and Marks & Spencer faced significant share price declines following warnings about rising inflation and increased staff costs.
The market response was particularly harsh for M&S, whose shares plummeted 8% despite enjoying a 24% rise throughout the previous year. Tesco, Britain’s largest grocery chain valued at £25 billion, experienced early trading losses before settling at a 0.5% decline by session’s end.
Stuart Machin, M&S chief executive, highlighted concerns about economic growth, inflation, and interest rates while warning of imminent price increases. Tesco’s Ken Murphy echoed these sentiments, emphasising the inevitable impact of new measures on business costs.
The ripple effect spread across the sector, with J Sainsbury falling 3.2% ahead of its Christmas trading update. Other major retailers including Kingfisher, Next, and Associated British Foods also experienced share price declines. B&M European Value Retail saw a near 9% drop after reducing its outlook, while Greggs suffered the most significant fall of 15.8% amid “subdued” consumer confidence.
The situation has been exacerbated by Rachel Reeves’s budget, particularly affecting retailers through increased wage bills. Tesco confirmed a £250 million rise in wage costs, while M&S anticipates a £120 million impact. Sainsbury’s expects national insurance changes to cost approximately £140 million.
The British Retail Consortium’s projection of food price inflation exceeding 4% this year, combined with £7 billion in budget-induced tax rises, paints a challenging picture for the sector. These developments may complicate the Bank of England’s ability to reduce interest rates, potentially prolonging the economic pressure on British consumers and retailers alike.
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