Homeware sales were down on the high street once again, while overall sales were pulled down by negative in-store results across the fashion and homewares categories.

According to the latest BDO High Street Sales Tracker, total like-for-like (LFL) sales fell by 5.98% for the week ending 15 October 2023.

Homeware total LFLs fell by -4.77% from a good base of +7.18% for the same week last year.

In-store homeware sales were flat, down by just -0.40% from a strong base of +18.70% for the same week last year, indicating the fourth negative return in the last ten weeks and the eleventh for 2023.

Total in-store LFL sales fell by -2.61%, but from a solid base of +6.85% for the same week last year. However, total non-store LFL sales dropped by -9.77% from a flat base of -0.63% in 2022, marking the third consecutive week of negative non-store sales.

Commenting on the results, BDO said: “Total LFLs were pulled down this week by negative in-store results across the fashion and homewares categories together with negative sales across all non-store categories. In-store LFL sales for lifestyle were this week’s sole positive category.

“This week saw a mix of autumnal weather. The week started with sunshine and warm conditions in parts of the UK, followed by rain and cooler conditions towards the end of the week. The same week last year was characterised by unsettled weather that was largely dry with colder air blowing across the UK, but cloudy with patchy rain in some parts of the country.”

Overall footfall fell by -1.0% this week compared to the corresponding week last year. High streets and retail parks both experienced a drop year-on-year, with dips of -1.7% and -0.9% respectively. Shopping centre traffic was flat, growing by just +0.5% from the same week last year.