Homeware sales remained down on the high street once again, as overall sales returned to growth at the end of March.

According to the latest BDO High Street Sales Tracker, total like-for-like (LFL) sales rose by 2.29% for the week ending 31 March 2024.

Homeware total LFL sales fell by -0.32% this week from a dour base of -9.97% for the same week last year, marking the seventh consecutive negative result for homewares and its eleventh so far in 2024.

Store homewares LFL sales increased by +0.13%, failing to offset a weak base of -0.70% for the same week last year, indicative of the second positive result for the category so far in 2024.

Total in-store LFL sales increased by +3.21% from a base of +4.87% for the same week last year. Total non-store LFL sales grew by +1.88% from a base of +1.76% for the same week last year.

Commenting on the results, BDO said: “In a week that included Good Friday and ended with Easter Sunday as well as marked the start of school holidays in many parts of the UK, both store and non-store sales recorded positive results led by lifestyle goods sales.

“This week’s store sales result marks the first positive outcome in the last three weeks, while non-store saw a second consecutive positive result.

“The weather this week was a mix of wet and dry periods marked by on and off showers throughout the week as well as slightly strong winds by the Easter weekend. The UK saw torrential rains and gusts caused by Storm Mathis during the same week last year, marking the wettest March period in 42 years.”

Overall footfall grew by +2.2% compared to the corresponding week last year. With an increase of +3.7%, high street footfall saw the strongest growth this week, while footfall results were flat for both shopping centres (+0.8%) and retail parks (+0.5%).