Homeware sales rose on the high street again, marking the category’s nineteenth positive result for store sales in 2024.

According to the latest BDO High Street Sales Tracker, total like-for-like (LFL) sales rose 8.44% for the week ending 13 October 2024.

Total homewares LFL sales rose by +5.59% this week from a negative base of -4.77% for the same week last year, denoting the seventeenth positive result in 2024 for the category.

Store sales for homewares increased by +2.35%, but from a weak base of -0.40% from the same week in 2023, achieving the category’s nineteenth positive result in 2024.

Total in-store sales increased by +2.32% from a negative base of -2.61% for the same week last year. Total non-store sales soared by +12.64%, easily offsetting a gloomy base of -9.77% for the same week in 2023.

Commenting on the results, BDO said: “Retail sales improved across all segments and channels, led by fashion, which saw significant boost in online sales, potentially driven by change of season shopping.

“This week was a chilly one with thundery showers for some as well as autumnal sunshine for many. The same week last year saw warmer weather in southern parts while staying colder in northern areas.”

Total footfall declined by -0.8% this week compared to the same week last year. Footfall dropped by -1.3% on the high street, while it saw a decrease of -1.2% in shopping centres. Retail parks saw an opposite effect with footfall climbing by +0.5%.