Homeware sales returned to growth on the high street, while overall sales also started February in positive territory.

According to the latest BDO High Street Sales Tracker, total like-for-like (LFL) sales rose by 1.10% for the week ending 4 February 2024.

Homeware total LFLs climbed by +4.40% and easily offset a negative base of -1.72% for the same week last year, marking the category’s first positive result for 2024.

Store sales for homeware dropped by -2.25% from a positive base of +5.44% for the same week last year, signifying the category’s sixth consecutive negative result.

Total in-store LFL sales fell by -1.17% from a good base of +10.95% for the same week last year. Total non-store LFL sales jumped by +6.97% from a positive base of +3.70% for the same week last year.

Commenting on the results, BDO said: “Total LFL sales benefitted from positive non-store sales as results were good across all segments. In contrast, in-store sales recorded a fourth consecutive week in negative territory.

“This week’s weather was a mix of cool, cloudy and slightly breezy conditions, while parts of the north experienced wet and windy weather from Storm Ingunn. The same week last year was generally mild, interspersed with clouds and light showers.”

Overall footfall decreased by -2.7% compared to the equivalent week last year. Footfall decreased across all categories with shopping centres seeing the sharpest drop (-4.1%), followed by the high streets (-3.0%) and then retail parks (-0.5%).