Homeware sales fell on the high street, indicating the twenty-fifth negative result in 2024 for the category.

According to the latest BDO High Street Sales Tracker, total like-for-like (LFL) sales declined 3.72% for the week ending 27 October 2024.

Total homewares LFL sales decreased by -2.79% this week from a positive base of +5.48% for the same week last year, indicating the twenty-fifth negative result in 2024 for the category.

Store sales for homewares reduced by -3.28% from a good base of +8.12% from the same week in 2023, marking the category’s twenty-third negative result in 2024.

Total in-store sales fell by -4.51% from a base of +0.32% for the same week last year. Total non-store sales slipped by -3.16% from a solid base of +17.33% for the same week in 2023.

Commenting on the results, BDO said: “Negative LFL outcomes for both store and non-store channels resulted in this week’s poor total LFL sales growth. This week’s total in-store sales result represents the lowest since the final week of April, while this week marks the poorest outcome for total non-store sales since early March.

“The weather this week was a mixed bag marked by chillier conditions with strong winds and patchy clouds as well as fog and hazy autumnal sunshine. The same week last year experienced largely unsettled and dull weather with cold temperatures and heavy clouds.”

Overall footfall dropped by -1.0% this week compared to the corresponding week last year. Shopping centres saw a steep drop of -5.2%, while retail parks recorded a decline of -1.1%. In contrast, high street footfall saw a slight increase of +1.0%.