Homeware sales rose on the high street, indicating the category’s twenty-second positive result in 2024.
According to the latest BDO High Street Sales Tracker, total like-for-like (LFL) sales rose 12.63% for the week ending 8 December 2024.
Total homewares LFL sales grew by +6.20% this week from a positive base of +5.50% for the same week last year, representing the category’s twenty-second positive result in 2024. This week’s result was driven by strong non-store sales, as bricks-and-mortar sales ticked into negative territory.
Store sales fell by -0.58% from a positive base of +2.55% for the same week last year. Non-store sales, which have been negative for thirty-two weeks this year, recorded a second consecutive positive result, surging by +34.10% from a base of +5.73% for the same week last year.
Total in-store LFL sales were down -3.12% from a negative base of -8.47%. Non-store sales, which are likely to have benefitted from Cyber-Monday discounts, rose +58.78% from a base of -1.29% for the same week last year that did not include Cyber Monday.
Commenting on the results, BDO said: “This week began with the Cyber-Monday e-commerce promotional day. Lifestyle, fashion and homewares total LFL sales reported growth this week, however the strong growth is entirely down to an exceptional increase in non-store LFL sales, while sales at bricks-and-mortar sales fell into negative territory. Overall, early December 2024 was milder and slightly less wet compared to the same period in 2023.
“This week, the UK experienced relatively mild and cloudy weather. Temperatures ranged from 5°C to 10°C, with occasional rain showers and overcast skies. There were also some transient snow events in northern regions, particularly in Scotland and parts of northern England.
“In contrast, the same week last year was colder and wetter. Temperatures were generally lower, ranging from 1°C to 7°C, with more frequent rain and some frosty mornings. There were also periods of drizzle and overcast conditions across much of the country.”
Footfall was down across most destinations this week, down -1.4% overall year-on-year. High street and shopping centre traffic fell by -2.7% and -2.4% respectively while retail park footfall rose by +2.4% compared to the same week last year.
