Slug & Lettuce owner to charge more at

peak hours (12/09/2023)

Stonegate Group, the UK's largest pub chain, will implement "dynamic pricing" at approximately 800
of its 4,000 pubs during peak hours, increasing pint prices by about 20p due to rising costs.

Higher expenses, including additional security, are cited as the reasons behind this price hike, with
dynamic pricing being common in sectors like travel during demand surges.

Customers will be notified of these price increases through notices in the pubs.

The move has sparked backlash on social media from some customers who believe it may deter
business during peak hours.

Stonegate has employed temporary price increases in the past, such as charging up to 50p more per
pint during England football matches shown in their pubs during previous World Cups, with prices
returning to normal afterward. Additionally, the company plans to use dynamic pricing to offer deals
during quieter times.

Lidl blames loss on opening new shops

and rising costs (14/09/2023)
Lidl's British business reported a full-year pre-tax loss of £75.9 million, a reversal from the previous
year's profit of £41.1 million. Despite this, Lidl increased its market share and opened more than 50
new stores in a year.

Lidl attributed the losses to significant investments and rising costs across various areas due to the
challenging inflationary environment.

The supermarket emphasized its commitment to maintaining low prices for shoppers, aiming to keep
its price gap compared to competitors like Asda, Morrisons, Tesco, and Sainsbury's.

Lidl recently opened its largest global warehouse in Luton at a cost of £300 million, creating 1,500
jobs, as part of its aggressive expansion plans in the UK.

Lidl's CEO for Great Britain, Ryan McDonnell, expressed confidence in the company's ability to sustain
these losses as it continues to disrupt the traditional supermarket industry with its private ownership
and customer-centric approach.
UK inflation: Slowing food prices drive
surprise fall (20/09/2023)
In August, slowing food prices contributed to a surprise decrease in the UK's inflation rate, which
dropped to 6.7% from 6.8% in July, marking the third consecutive monthly decline.

Prices for items like milk, cheese, and vegetables decreased, while cereal prices rose during the
month.

The expectation of rising inflation due to increased petrol and diesel costs driven by higher oil prices
was offset by a slowdown in food price increases, as well as reduced air fares and accommodation
costs.

Food manufacturers paying less for ingredients than a year ago contributed to lower food prices,
potentially easing the burden on consumers who have seen rising grocery and dining expenses.

The drop in inflation has raised questions about whether the Bank of England will proceed with an
expected interest rate hike, as only half of investors now anticipate a rate increase. The UK's inflation
rate, at 6.7%, remains higher compared to other advanced economies like Germany, France, Italy,
and the US.