Homeware sales remained positive on the high street, as overall sales were down at the end of April.
According to the latest BDO High Street Sales Tracker, total like-for-like (LFL) sales fell by 6.13% for the week ending 28 April 2024.
Homeware total LFL sales grew by +0.89% this week from a base of -0.92% for the same week last year, indicating the third consecutive positive result for homewares and its fifth so far in 2024.
Store homewares LFL sales dipped by -0.67% from a solid base of +10.04% for the same week last year, signifying that the category has been in negative territory for thirteen of the seventeen weeks so far in 2024.
Total in-store LFL sales fell by -7.69% from a strong base of +3.10% for the same week last year. Total non-store LFL sales decreased by -1.89% from a base of -2.91% for the same week last year.
Commenting on the results, BDO said: “Total LFL sales dropped for the first time following four straight weeks of positive outcomes due to a decline in both store and non-store sales results. Homewares was the only category to see a slight growth owing to a positive outcome in online sales.
“The UK experienced dull weather this week typified by cold snaps and winds as well as overcast and rain showers in most regions. During the same week last year, the UK witnessed extreme weather conditions caused by an Arctic blast leading to low temperatures.”
Overall footfall declined by -5.0% this week when compared to the same week last year. The high street saw a steep drop of -6.6%, just as shopping centres saw a decrease in footfall by -5.9%. Footfall to retail parks, however, saw a slight decrease of -0.6%.
