Homeware sales fell on the high street, indicating the category’s twenty-first positive result in 2024.

According to the latest BDO High Street Sales Tracker, total like-for-like (LFL) sales rose 18.98% for the week ending 1 December 2024.

Total homewares LFL sales grew by +28.37% this week from a positive base of +2.71% for the same week last year, representing the category’s twenty-first positive result in 2024.

Store and non-store LFL sales were both positive this week. Store sales were up +9.98% from a positive base of +6.44%, while non-store sales were up +44.10% from a positive base of +2.90% for the same week in 2023. Non-store sales recorded their strongest LFL growth since April 2021.

Total in-store LFL sales were up +14.39% from a negative base of -3.26% for the same week last year, which reflects the sharp rise in footfall reported this week. Total non-store LFL sales grew +23.40% from a base negative base of -4.80% for the same week last year.

Commenting on the results, BDO said: “This week culminated in the Black Friday promotional event, whereas the same week last year started with the Cyber Monday e-commerce promotional day.

“Lifestyle, fashion and homewares LFL sales reported strong growth across both bricks-and-mortar and non-store platforms. Total store LFL sales reported the highest increase since March 2023, while non-store sales enjoyed double-digit growth across all sectors.

“This week, the UK weather was cold and unsettled, with frosty nights, fog, and rain, particularly in northern regions. Temperatures were below average for the time of year. In contrast, the same week in 2023 was milder and calmer, with high-pressure systems bringing dry and settled weather.”

Overall footfall rose by +5.2% compared to the equivalent week in 2023. High street footfall rose by +5.8% and traffic to retail parks rose by 5.3%. Shopping centre footfall rose by 3.9%, the highest level since March this year.