Homeware sales rose on the high street once again, while overall sales were down for a fifth straight week.

According to the latest BDO High Street Sales Tracker, total like-for-like (LFL) sales fell by 6.25% for the week ending 10 December 2023.

Homeware total LFLs rose by +5.50% but failed to offset a negative base of -13.74% for the same week last year, marking the category’s twenty-first positive result so far in 2023.

Store sales for homeware grew by +2.55% from a base of -7.98% for the same week last year, the category’s ninth consecutive positive result and its thirty ninth for 2023.

Total in-store LFL sales depreciated by -8.47% from a strong base of +9.48% for the same week last year. Total non-store LFL sales fell by -1.29% from a positive base of +2.58% for the same week last year.

Commenting on the results, BDO said: “Total LFL sales fell further into negative territory this week weighed down by weak results in both store and non-store channels. Homeware sales results were positive, however, potentially reflecting the impact of seasonal spending combined with a change in weather.

“The week opened with drier and milder weather with temperatures climbing above 10°C but became wet and windy towards the end. During the same week last year, the UK saw wintery weather conditions with frost, snow and temperatures dropping below 0°C.”

Overall footfall declined by -4.0% compared to the equivalent week in 2022. Footfall on the high street dropped by -5.7% as shopping centres and retail parks saw a decrease of -3.9% and -0.3% respectively compared to the same week last year.