Homeware sales remained in negative territory on the high street due to flat in-store sales combined with “very weak” online sales.
According to the latest BDO High Street Sales Tracker, total like-for-like (LFL) sales rose by 4.96% for the week ending 2 April 2023.
Homeware total LFLs slumped by 9.97% from a strong base of +16.14% for the same week last year, marking the category’s second consecutive negative result and tenth for 2023.
Store homeware sales flattened by 0.70% from a rebounding base of +1,120.48% for the same week last year, marking the category’s first negative result after twelve consecutive weeks of positive growth.
Total in-store LFL sales increased by +4.87% from a rebounding base of +7,299.46% for the same week last year. Total non-store LFL sales grew by +1.76%, failing to offset a weak base of -5.44% for the same week last year.
Commenting on the results, BDO said: “Strong in-store LFL sales, particularly in fashion and lifestyle, boosted total LFLs this week, following a sharp drop into negative territory the week prior. Homeware total LFLs plummeted this week due to flat in-store sales combined with very weak online sales.
“This week saw wet and windy weather as Storm Mathis brought torrential rains and gusts, closing out a month that has been dubbed the wettest March in 42 years. The same week last year saw chilly weather with low temperatures alongside overcast, sunny spells and drizzles.
Overall footfall grew by +3.0% compared to the corresponding week last year. Shopping centres recorded the highest footfall growth this week, climbing by +3.8%, followed closely by the high street with an increase of +3.4%. Retail parks saw a positive footfall growth of +1.2%.
