Homeware sales fell on the high street, marking a twenty-second negative result so far in 2024.

According to the latest BDO High Street Sales Tracker, total like-for-like (LFL) sales fell 1.79% for the week ending 1 September 2024.

Homeware total LFL sales sank by -5.26% this week from a base of +4.84% for the same week last year, signifying the category’s twenty-second negative result so far in 2024.

Store homewares LFL sales slightly increased by +0.58% from a base of +2.00% for the same week last year, indicative of the category’s fourteenth positive outcome so far in 2024.

Total in-store LFL sales slipped by -1.10% this week from a base of +2.29% for the same week last year. Total non-store LFL sales climbed by +5.63% from a base of +3.57% for the same week last year.

Commenting on the results, BDO said: “In the final week of August that commenced with a bank holiday on Monday, total LFL sales saw a negative result due to a fourth successive negative outcome for total in-store retail.

“In contrast, non-store sales clinched an eighteenth consecutive positive week owing to a strong performance by lifestyle goods in a week when preparations for a return to school were likely underway.

“This week saw calm and clear weather in southern parts of the country while showers and windy conditions impacted northern areas. The weather during the same week last year was characterised by settled conditions across parts of the country.”

Overall footfall was up by +1.8% compared to the same week last year. Retail park footfall increased by +4.0%, followed by high street footfall with growth of +1.9%. By contrast, shopping centres saw footfall slightly drop by -0.4%.