Homeware sales fell on the high street again as overall sales reported a small positive result.

According to the latest BDO High Street Sales Tracker, total like-for-like (LFL) sales rose by 2.06% for the week ending 21 August 2022.

Total Homeware LFLs fell by 5.20% this week, with in store sales also down by 3.27%, marking the category’s second negative result in the last five weeks and its twelfth for the year. Total LFLs for homeware have been negative in 18 out of the last 19 weeks.

Total in-store LFL sales rose by +6.00% from a base of +33.61% for the same week last year. Total non-store LFL sales dropped by -5.75% from a base of +21.94% for the same week last year.

Commenting on the results, BDO said: “This week saw another slowdown in total LFLs as results continued to trend downwards, recording the year’s lowest results.

“Amidst recent reports of falling wages and consumer confidence, total in-store LFLs saw moderate growth compared to past weeks while total non-store LFLs recorded another negative week.

“The weather this week was predominantly soggy with heavy showers and overcast conditions, while some parts of the country experienced strong winds. The same week last year saw cool temperatures and damp conditions across much of the UK.”

Overall footfall rose by +8.6% this week compared to the same week last year. Footfall on the high street footfall grew by +11.8%, while shopping centres saw footfall increase by +8.7%.

 On the other hand, footfall to retail parks declined by -0.8% this week, marking its fifth straight week of negative results.