Homeware sales remained in negative territory on the high street while footfall continued to see positive growth.
According to the latest BDO High Street Sales Tracker, total like-for-like (LFL) sales rose by 1.33% for the week ending 25 September 2022.
Total Homeware LFLs slumped by 7.67% from a base of -0.60% for the same week last year, marking the category’s ninth negative result in the last 10 weeks.
In-store homeware sales were flat, falling marginally by -0.14% from a positive base of +4.41% for the same week last year, signalling its first negative result after three straight weeks of positive LFLs.
Total in-store LFL sales dropped by -0.35%, from a base of +26.67% for the same week last year. Total non-store LFL sales jumped by +4.25% from a robust base of +20.28% in 2021.
Commenting on the results, BDO said: “This week saw total sales record its smallest growth for 2022 and lowest result since February 2021. Starting the week with a Bank Holiday marking Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, total in-store sales fell into the red for the first time since March 2021, dragged down by weak lifestyle and homewares LFL sales.
“This week saw a flow of cold air across the UK as temperature levels drop due to northerly winds pushing the mercury into lower figures. The same week last year saw moderate sunshine with mostly cloudy and chilly conditions across the UK.”
Overall footfall dropped this week by -1.0% this week compared to the equivalent week in 2021.
Footfall saw a decline in shopping centres by -1.6%, while it slumped by -6.2% in retail parks. On the other hand, footfall on the high street remained positive, climbing by +1.7.
