Homeware sales declined on the high street again, marking a fifth negative week.

According to the latest BDO High Street Sales Tracker, total like-for-like (LFL) sales rose by 15.48% for the week ending 15 May 2022.

Total Homeware LFLs fell by 22.30% this week, with in store sales down by 12.09% from a strong base of +3,155.75% for the same week last year.

In store LFLs for homeware have been negative for five consecutive weeks since the first week of April 2022.

Total in-store LFL sales grew by +28.07%, though coming from a huge base of +15,721.19% for the same week last year. Total non-store LFL sales climbed by +3.78% from a positive base of +9.51% for the same week last year.

Commenting on the results, the BDO said: “This week saw balmy weather conditions that was mostly dry and sunny with temperatures reaching the mid-20s. The same week last year experienced damp conditions with intermittent sunshine.”

Overall footfall increased by +24.1% this week compared to the corresponding week last year. The high street saw the highest footfall increase (+37.2%), followed by shopping centres, which climbed by +19.4%.

Retail parks saw a meagre increase of +0.9% this week, but from a healthier base in the equivalent week last year.