Homeware sales remained positive on the high street, while overall sales were dragged down by weak online results.

According to the latest BDO High Street Sales Tracker, total like-for-like (LFL) sales fell by 1.95% for the week ending 12 November 2023.

Homeware total LFLs increased by +5.52% from a negative base of -2.99% for the same week last year, denoting the category’s third successive positive result.

Store sales for homeware grew by +10.09% from a base of +2.63% for the same week last year, marking the category’s fourth consecutive positive result in the last five weeks and its thirty-fifth for 2023.

Total in-store LFL sales grew by +3.34% from a base of +5.71% for the same week last year. Total non-store LFL sales dropped by -1.83% from a strong base of +7.43% for the same week last year.

Commenting on the results, BDO said: “Total LFL sales were dragged down by weak online sales results, which fell into negative territory for the first time in four weeks. Fashion total LFLs saw a significant decline as the category recorded negative outcomes in both store and non-store channels, although it comes off of a strong base for last year.

“The UK experienced unsettled weather this week with showers and heavy winds caused by the onset of Storm Debi, interspersed with some drier periods. The equivalent week last year saw chilly and cloudy conditions alongside light showers and brief episodes of drier and warmer weather.”

Overall footfall decreased by -0.7% this week compared to the equivalent week last year. While retail parks saw a moderate increase of +2.1%, the high street witnessed footfall drop by -2.1% and shopping centres saw a decline of -0.3%.