Surprising data from Polish stores. “Consumers don’t feel…”
In April, everyday purchases became more expensive on average by 3.7%. year to year, compared to 3.8 percent in March. Experts indicate that consumers do not feel any real improvement.
The “Retail Store Price Index” report prepared by UCE RESEARCH and WSB Merito University shows that in April, daily purchases in stores became more expensive on average by 3.7%. compared to the same period in 2025. This concerned food, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages and other products, e.g. household chemicals and children’s products (the analysis covered 17 categories of the most frequently purchased products). In the previous two months, there was an increase of 3.8%.
Prices in stores. Food prices have become so much higher
The authors of the report point out that food prices increased by 3.3% in April. year to year, compared to an increase of 3.2%. a month earlier and by 3.4 percent in February. Experts point out that small changes in the average level of food prices in stores are “confirmation of stabilization in this area.”
– However, it should be remembered that an increase in fuel prices may very quickly be reflected in the prices of products in this category. Additionally, forecasts for this year, when it comes to, for example, grain production, are quite optimistic. This means that there is no fear on the market that low supply may adversely affect prices. Nevertheless, global markets are currently seeing upward trends – comments Dr. Artur Fiks from WSB Merito University.
According to Dr. Joanna Myślińska-Wieprow, the difference between the price dynamics of the entire basket and the food itself shows that the price stabilization process in the economy remains uneven. Some market segments are beginning to experience weaker demand and greater competitive pressure. At the same time, the prices of everyday products are still influenced by production costs, logistics and seasonality. Food reacts slower to the improvement in the inflation situation than some other consumer categories.
“Consumers do not feel any real improvement”
The expert points out that “consumers do not feel any real improvement during everyday shopping, despite more optimistic data on the entire list.” Statistical stabilization does not translate into a feeling of lower costs of living. For the market, this means continued cautious consumer sentiment and retail chains continuing to fight for customers through promotions and pricing activities.
