Market experts predict that after the holiday season, daily shopping will become approximately 5% more expensive, adjusted for the rate of inflation. They argue that this is partly due to rising inflation, gas and electricity prices, as well as an improvement in the financial situation of Poles. They also talk about a slowdown in the price war of retail chains, because Poles are already tired of it. Therefore, something new must appear on the market. If this is confirmed, the high prices will no longer be curbed. Some experts also predict that before Christmas, price increases will even reach 6-7%, which will be another shock for consumers. Other market connoisseurs argue that during this period, retailers will not be able to afford such high increases, as customers would reduce their Christmas shopping. However, everyone agrees about one thing. It will be getting more expensive in stores.
More Expensive from September Onwards
For at least the past five months, the price increase trend has been steadily rising. As shown by the reports of the “Retail Price Index”, authored by the WSB University Merito among others, in July, daily shopping became nearly 4% more expensive, in June – a little more than 3%, in May – almost 3%, and in April – more than 2%. Robert Biegaj, retail market expert from the Offerista Group, agrees with the findings and adds that increases will also be related to the general increase in inflation, and the prices of gas and electricity.
Regarding this, Dr. Maria Andrzej Faliński, former general director of POHiD, believes the price increase dynamics will continue to grow and predicts after the holidays, daily shopping will be about 5% more expensive.
Price War Protects Wallets
According to Robert Biegaj, the last factor currently has less impact on shaping prices in stores, especially in the face of the ongoing price war between the largest discounters on the market. However, the expert anticipates this situation will not last long. Retail chains will try to shift the costs they have been incurring for some time onto consumers after the holidays.
Christmas Shock
Robert Biegaj warns that we should also take into account another factor. If consumption grows along with the purchasing moods of Poles, then retail chains will additionally raise prices. This could end with an increase in store prices even by 6-7%. However, Dr. Faliński predicts that before Christmas, prices in stores will rise again by about 5%.
Aside from national factors, the situation in the world can bring a lot of harm. If for example, the conflict in Ukraine intensifies or if an incident happens in the Middle East, the situation here will also become more complicated. With rising prices, consumers will surely feel the difference when Christmas approaches.
Source: https://ceo.com.pl/w-sklepach-ma-byc-coraz-drozej-koniec-roku-moze-przyniesc-wzrosty-cen-nawet-o-6-7-proc-r-r-71331
