Homeware sales were a stand out performer on the high street, while footfall returned to growth.

According to the latest BDO High Street Sales Tracker, total like-for-like (LFL) sales rose by 4.72% for the week ending 13 August 2023.

Homeware total LFLs jumped by +14.24% which offset a negative base of -11.51% for the same week last year, marking the category’s third positive result in the last five weeks and its eleventh so far in 2023.

Store sales for homeware soared by +28.02% and easily offset a woeful base of -13.20% for the same week last year, marking the category’s seventh consecutive positive result since the first week of July and its twenty-sixth so far in 2023.

Total in-store LFL sales grew by +12.91% from a base of +5.77% for the same week last year. Total non-store LFL sales were up by +2.28%, but failed to offset a negative base of -3.00% for the same week last year.

Commenting on the results, BDO said: “In-store LFL sales lodged the highest growth result since March, which helped in lifting total LFL sales. Homewares and lifestyle saw significant in-store LFL sales growth, with the former recording its highest outcome since the week of Christmas in 2022.

“This week saw a mix of dry, sunny and wet weather conditions with predominantly clear skies and temperatures climbing to a high of 25°C. The same week last saw hot and humid weather with temperature reaching the 30s.”

Overall footfall grew by +4.0% compared to the same week last year, led by traffic to shopping centres, which saw a boost of +4.9%. High street footfall grew by +4.6%, while retail parks recorded a footfall growth of +1.5%.