Homeware sales remained in negative territory on the high street while footfall jumped by 15%.

According to the latest BDO High Street Sales Tracker, total like-for-like (LFL) sales rose by 7.02% for the week ending 9 April 2023.

Homeware total LFLs plunged by 4.44% from a positive base of +4.83% for the same week last year, marking the category’s third consecutive negative result and its eleventh for 2023.

Store homeware sales increased by +8.30% from a rebounding base of +1,233.43% for the same week last year, marking the category’s thirteenth positive result for 2023.

Total in-store LFL sales jumped by +10.12% from a rebounding base of +3,960.01% for the same week last year. Total non-store LFL sales were up by +2.08% from a good base of +2.14% for the same week last year.

Commenting on the results, BDO said: “The base week compares to a week in 2021 when physical trading was still not permitted, but some retailers were utilising technological aid and digital solutions to complete a limited number of transactions through in-store channels. This week culminated in Easter Sunday and included the Good Friday Bank Holiday alongside beautiful weather during Easter weekend.

“The weather this week started out slightly cloudy with interspersed showers, wind gusts and occasional sunshine before bringing on warmer temperatures with highs of 18°C during Easter weekend. During the same week last year, the weather was a mixture of dry conditions with bright clouds, sunny spells and light rains.”

Overall footfall climbed by +10.4% compared to the equivalent week last year. The high street saw footfall jump by +15.0%, while shopping centres and retail parks recorded footfall growth figures of +7.5% and +3.7% respectively.