Homeware sales remained in negative territory on the high street while footfall stayed positive.
According to the latest BDO High Street Sales Tracker, total like-for-like (LFL) sales fell by 3.21% for the week ending 7 May 2023.
Homeware total LFLs tumbled by 14.39% from an already weak base of 24.66% for the same week last year. This week’s result marks the category’s fourteenth negative result so far in 2023.
Store homeware sales increased by +2.86% but failed to offset a weak base of 15.14% for the same week last year. However, this week’s result signifies the category’s seventeenth positive result for 2023.
Total in-store LFL sales declined by -1.70% from a base of +30.46% for the same week last year. Total non-store LFL sales fell by -3.58% from a base of +5.92% for the same week last year.
Commenting on the results, BDO said: “The week began with the Early May Bank Holiday on Monday and culminated with the Coronation weekend that saw King Charles III crowned as the UK’s monarch. In-store total LFL sales fell into the red as non-store sales recorded a third consecutive negative result, dragging down total sales.
“The weather this week was a mixture of warm and sunny conditions with temperatures in some parts of the UK climbing up to 20°C, while some areas witnessed heavy, thundery showers and hail. During the same week last year saw predominantly overcast weather with sporadic showers, although the temperature was mild.”
Overall footfall increased by +3.1% compared to the corresponding week last year. High street footfall improved by +4.1% as shopping centres saw a footfall growth of +3.8%, but retail parks saw a meagre increase of +0.2%.
