Homeware sales returned to growth on the high street, as overall sales remained positive during April.
According to the latest BDO High Street Sales Tracker, total like-for-like (LFL) sales rose by 3.24% for the week ending 14 April 2024.
Homeware total LFL sales climbed by +4.83% this week from a base of +4.01% for the same week last year, indicative of the category’s first positive result after eight consecutive negative outcomes.
Store homewares LFL sales grew by +2.96% from a solid base of +10.37% for the same week last year, marking the category’s third positive result so far in 2024.
Total in-store LFL sales climbed by +5.80% from a base of +1.98% for the same week last year. Total non-store LFL sales jumped by +9.86% from a strong base of +12.17% for the same week last year.
Commenting on the results, BDO said: “In-store sales grew this week against a backdrop of pleasant weather, while non-store sales gained a fourth consecutive week of being within positive territory.
“This week experienced warmer weather as the UK enjoyed glorious spring sunshine and mild conditions with temperatures climbing to 20°C. During the same week last year, the UK’s weather was chilly with strong winds alongside heavy showers.”
Overall footfall was flat this week, seeing a slight growth of +0.5% this week compared to the same week last year, an increase that was driven mainly by high street results. The high street saw footfall growth of +5.2%, while retail parks and shopping centres saw footfall drop by -4.7% and -4.5% respectively.
