Homeware sales remained down on the high street once again, while overall sales continued to show a slight uptick during January.

According to the latest BDO High Street Sales Tracker, total like-for-like (LFL) sales rose by 1.21% for the week ending 21 January 2024.

Homeware total LFLs dropped by -7.23% from a woeful base of -7.44% for the same week last year. Store sales for homeware collapsed by -13.79% from a positive base of +2.09% for the same week last year.

The outcomes for both total and in-store homeware sales mark each category’s fourth consecutive negative result.

Total in-store LFL sales tumbled by -7.29% from a strong base of +21.85% for the same week last year. Total non-store LFL sales jumped by +7.25% from a base of +0.31% for the same week last year.

Commenting on the results, BDO said: “Non-store sales saw strong growth across all segments this week which resulted in keeping total LFL sales in positive territory. On the other hand, in-store sales saw a decline across all segments.

“The UK shivered in sub-zero conditions this week with heavy snowfall in parts of the north, while strong winds and rain caused by Storm Isha were battereing the country by the end of the week. A stratospheric polar vortex triggered freezing and wintry conditions across the UK during the same week last year.”

Overall footfall dropped by -3.2% compared to the same week last year. High street and shopping centre footfall decreased by -5.1% and -3.5% respectively. In contrast, retail park footfall saw a very modest increase of +1.4%.