Homeware sales remained positive on the high street, while footfall continued to be positive across all destinations.

According to the latest BDO High Street Sales Tracker, total like-for-like (LFL) sales rose by 14.87% for the week ending 9 July 2023.

Homeware total LFLs were up by +2.82%, failing to offset a negative base 15.65% for the same week last year, marking the category’s eighth positive result so far in 2023.

Store sales for homeware rose by +7.16% but also failed to offset a weak base of 13.87% for the same week last year, marking the category’s twenty first positive result so far in 2023.

Total in-store LFL sales grew by +5.89% from an already strong base of +22.07% for the same week last year. Total non-store LFL sales skyrocketed by +30.07% from a base of -1.37% for the same week last year.

Commenting on the results, BDO said: “Total LFL sales recorded the highest result in 2023 so far thanks to positive outcomes in both store and online channels, especially the latter. The strong sales results for this week were possibly strengthened by ongoing summer sales promotions offered by some retailers. Non-store LFL sales saw the highest result since September 2021, largely driven by fashion sales.

“The weather this week saw temperatures as high as 23°C with a mix of sunshine, cloud and showers across various parts of the UK. The same week last year saw hot and sunny conditions with temperatures above 25°C.”

Total footfall was up by +2.7% compared to the same week last year. Shopping centres saw the highest growth this week with an increase of +5.3%, followed by retail parks with an increase of +2.4%. High street footfall saw a modest increase of +1.5% in comparison to the same week last year.