Homeware sales on the high street dipped back into negative territory despite a small increase in in-store sale.

According to the latest BDO High Street Sales Tracker to 24 July 2022, total like-for-like (LFL) sales increased by +12.19% from a base of +28.75% for the equivalent week last year.

Homeware sales fell back into the red, down by 4.38% from a base of +2.90% for the same week last year. Total LFLs for homeware have been negative in fourteen out of the last fifteen weeks.

In-store LFL sales for homeware rose by +1.63% this week from a base of +15.83% for the same week last year. This marks the category’s second straight positive LFL following four weeks of negative results.

Total in-store LFL sales increased by +16.53% from a base of +37.49% for the same week last year. Total non-store LFL sales rose by +6.69% from a base of +18.72% for the same week last year.

Commenting on the data, BDO said: “This week’s total LFL marks the third consecutive double-digit rise, though appears to be a relative slowdown compared to the prior week’s result.

“This week saw record temperatures recorded across parts of the UK with some areas experiencing greyer conditions entering the weekend. The same week last year saw hot and sunny conditions.”

Overall footfall increased by +11.2% this week compared to the same week last year. The high street saw the largest increase (+15.3%) followed closely by shopping centres (+14.6%). Retail parks, on the other hand, saw footfall decline by -1.3%.