Homeware high street sales fall for first time in 12 weeks

Homeware sales fell on the high street, ending a run of 12 positive weeks.

According to the latest BDO High Street Sales Tracker, total like-for-like (LFL) sales rose 1.45% for the week ending 23 February 2025.

Homewares total LFLs sank by -3.15% from a negative base of -10.95% for the same week in 2024, marking the category’s first negative result following twelve consecutive weeks of positive outcomes.

Store homewares sales dropped -8.16% from a base of -6.78% for the same week last year, signifying the category’s first negative outcome after three consecutive positive weeks.

Total store LFL sales grew +2.60% from a negative base of -6.45% for the same week last year. Total non-store LFL sales ticked up just +0.22%, failing to offset a negative base of -2.75% for the same week in 2024.

Commenting on the results, BDO said: “In a week that included the Spring half-term break for many schools in the UK, sales in bricks-and-mortar venues and online retail saw positive outcomes.

“This week saw a mix of wet, windy and mild conditions, with the latter part of the week witnessing heavy rains and strong winds in many parts.

“The same week last year saw heavy downpours and strong winds amidst a drop in temperature levels.”

Overall, footfall climbed by +4.9% this week, a growth driven by strong shopping centre footfall outcomes (+7.4%), while the high street and retail parks saw footfall rise by +4.8% and +2.4% respectively.

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