Homeware sales remained down on the high street once again, as overall sales also fell despite some positivity from the non-store segment.
According to the latest BDO High Street Sales Tracker, total like-for-like (LFL) sales fell by 2.28% for the week ending 24 March 2024.
Homeware total LFL sales dropped by -4.82% this week from a base of -3.66% for the same week last year, indicating the sixth consecutive negative result for homewares and its tenth so far in 2024.
Store homewares LFL sales decreased by -3.05% this week from a good base of +8.40% for the same week last year, which marks the eleventh negative result for the category so far in 2024.
Total in-store LFL sales dipped by -3.34% from a weak base of -9.03% for the same week last year. Total non-store LFL sales increased by +1.57% but failed to offset a deeply negative base of -17.66% for the same week last year.
Commenting on the results, BDO said: “Total LFL sales remained in negative territory for a second consecutive week due to poor in-store sales results. On the other hand, non-store sales saw the first positive outcome following four straight weeks of negative results.
“This week saw unsettled weather with bands of rain and showers alongside drier interludes interspersed with some March sunshine. The same week last year experienced colder conditions with snow, ice and rain.”
Overall footfall increased by +2.1% compared to the same week last year. High street footfall grew by +4.1% and retail parks saw an increase of +1.3%, while footfall to shopping centres saw a decrease of -1.1%.
