Homeware sales remained down on the high street once again, while overall sales fell at the end of January.

According to the latest BDO High Street Sales Tracker, total like-for-like (LFL) sales fell by 5.16% for the week ending 28 January 2024.

Homeware total LFLs fell by -3.18% from a poor base of -2.34% for the same week last year. Store sales for homeware declined by -9.48% from a good base of +8.69% for the same week last year.

The outcomes for both total and in-store homeware sales mark each category’s fifth consecutive negative result.

Total in-store LFL sales sank by -8.25% from a good base of +17.78% for the same week last year. Total non-store LFL sales increased by +3.27% from a base of +2.56% for the same week last year.

Commenting on the results, BDO said: “In-store sales dropped across all segments which contributed to weakening total LFL sales. Non-store sales remained positive for a third consecutive week against a backdrop of cold and unstable weather.

“This week’s weather was a mixed bag with the first few days experiencing strong gusts of up to 107mph caused by Storm Isha before gradually becoming milder but with heavy clouds and occasional rain. The same week last year saw freezing and frosty conditions caused by Arctic winds alongside fog and drizzle.”

Overall footfall declined by -1.7% compared to the equivalent week last year. Footfall decreased on the high street by -4.4% and also fell in shopping centres by -3.4%, while retail parks saw a slight increase of +1.1%.