Homeware sales fell on the high street again while high street footfall continued to see positive growth.
According to the latest BDO High Street Sales Tracker, total like-for-like (LFL) sales rose by 3.01% for the week ending 28 August 2022.
Total Homeware LFLs fell by 6.03% this week, with in store sales also down by 3.27%, marking the category’s third negative result in the last six weeks. Total LFLs for homeware have been negative in 19 out of the last 20 weeks. While in store sales also saw a decline this week, falling by 3.27% from a base of +7.80% for the corresponding week last year, non store LFL sales saw slightly positive growth, up 0.56%.
Total in-store LFL sales were up by +7.61%, from a strong impressive +24.44% for the equivalent week last year. Total non-store LFL sales, however, were up by only +1.66%, from a base of +12.05% seen last year.
Commenting on the results, BDO said: “This week included the long Bank Holiday weekend – like last year – but sales remained positive, potentially aided by a bout of splendid weather across the country.
“During the same week last year, the UK experienced a run of grey and mild conditions into the long weekend. Overall better conditions this year are however counterbalanced by increasing concerns over the cost of living.”
Overall footfall was up by +5.4% this week compared to the same week last year.
The high street saw the most notable growth in footfall (+8.0%), with shopping centres also experiencing growth of +6.4% this week. Retail parks reported a decline in footfall of -1.3% this week.
