Homeware sales remained down on the high street, while overall sales returned to growth alongside rising footfall.
According to the latest BDO High Street Sales Tracker, total like-for-like (LFL) sales rose by 2.38% for the week ending 10 March 2024.
Homeware total LFL sales dipped by -14.12% this week from a base of +8.93% for the same week last year, denoting the category’s fourth consecutive negative result and its eighth so far in 2024.
Store homewares LFL sales climbed by +10.28% this week from a base of +13.97% for the same week last year, signifying its first positive outcome after ten consecutive weeks of negative results.
Total in-store LFL sales jumped by +7.40% from a good base of +7.33% for the same week last year. Total non-store LFL sales sank by -8.03% from a positive base of +17.28% for the same week last year.
Commenting on the results, BDO said: “Strong in-store sales propelled total LFL sales growth in a week that culminated with Mothering Sunday. All retail segments saw positive in-store outcomes, with lifestyle leading in sales results, potentially driven by the activities of gift retailers.
“This week saw unsettled weather with temperatures below average most days and freezing conditions which included snow in some places. The same week last year witnessed very low temperatures with freezing conditions caused by Storm Larisa.”
Overall footfall rose by 9.4% compared to the corresponding week last year. High street footfall jumped by +12.0% as shopping centres and retail parks equally saw footfall growth of +7.1% and +6.4% respectively.
