The average value of a shopping basket increased by 4.3% y-o-y to PLN 280.16 in December 2023, according to data from ASM Sales Force Agency. The average price of a shopping basket containing the most popular everyday items fell by PLN 2.97 on a m/m basis.
The data collected by ASM Sales Force Agency shows that price drops were recorded in seven chains, while in the remaining six chains the prices of the surveyed products were higher than in November last year. In four chains, the average basket prices were more than PLN 300. The largest decrease in the average price of a shopping basket took place in the Biedronka chain (9.33%), and the largest increase in Kaufland shops (10.38%). On an annual basis, an increase in the prices of the surveyed products was observed in 9 out of 12 analysed chains. The largest increase in basket prices was recorded at the Netto chain, where the average basket price in December 2023 was PLN 60.92 higher than the year before, i.e. by 22.52%. In contrast, price decreases were observed at Auchan (10.40%), Biedronka (6.86%) and Lidl (4.49%) shops, it was reported.
“The year 2024 started with moderate optimism in the retail chain industry. Although inflation remains at a relatively low level after the experience of last year, there are no signs to think about a further reduction. Some of the commodities, such as fat products or dairy and meat, whose prices rose the most in 2023, are now cheapening. However, macroeconomic indicators as well as uncertainty about energy prices and rising labour costs mean that customers will not experience noticeable relief when paying for everyday purchases. In our opinion, we will see price level increases of a few per cent in 2024. The level of these increases in the first half of the year will depend largely on the macroeconomic situation and budgetary decisions. Owners of retail chains will once again have to try to get the attention of customers, we will continue to observe the development and modification of promotional offers, many of which will be available from the level of shopping applications developed by retail chains,” said ASM Sales Force Agency managing director Zbigniew Sierocki.
Analysing the basket based on the lowest prices of products reported from all locations of the surveyed chains, we could pay 180.67 PLN (0.81 PLN more than in November last year), while assuming the highest prices – 363.91 PLN (0.62 PLN less than in November last year). The difference between the cheapest and most expensive basket in December 2023 was PLN 183.24, which is PLN 1.43 less than in November last year. If we look at the data on an annual basis, the total of the minimum basket in December 2023 was 15.46% lower than a year ago, while the maximum basket was 18.72% more expensive in December 2023 than in 2022, it was also stated.
The December survey also shows that among the traditional chain categories, the cheapest shopping could again be done in hypermarkets, at £271.21. On the other hand, in the juxtaposition of sales channels, the highest average prices of the surveyed products in the shopping basket were recorded in dark stores – PLN 341.23. On the other hand, the cheapest shopping (PLN 280.26) could be done in traditional shops, i.e. chains with stationary sales.
Source: ASM Sales Force Agency and ISBnews
