Homeware sales remained down on the high street, while footfall also tumbled during mid-September.

According to the latest BDO High Street Sales Tracker, total like-for-like (LFL) sales fell by 3.44% for the week ending 17 September 2023.

Homeware total LFLs were down by -4.46% from a base of -8.04% for the same week last year, marking the category’s twenty-fourth negative result so far in 2023.

Store sales for homeware tumbled by -9.34% from a strong base of +11.43% for the same week last year, marking the category’s ninth negative result so far in 2023.

Total in-store LFL sales were down by -1.51% from a base of +10.34% for the same week last year. Total non-store LFL sales dropped by -2.64% from a woeful base of -7.88% for the same week last year.

Commenting on the results, BDO said: “Total sales remained within negative territory this week as both in-store and non-store sales were in the red. Lifestyle was the only category that recorded positive growth this week.

“The weather this week was a mix of wet and dry conditions. It was sunny and warm at the start of the week in many areas while the end of the week saw heavy winds and clouds as well as light rainfall. The same week last year experienced overcast and chilly weather as Autumn set in.”

Overall footfall was down this week by -2.4% compared to the corresponding week last year. High street footfall fell by -3.5%, while shopping centres saw a decline of -1.9%. Footfall to retail park saw a meagre decrease of -0.5% compared to the same week last year.