Homeware sales declined on the high street, while footfall saw growth at the end of September.

According to the latest BDO High Street Sales Tracker, total like-for-like (LFL) sales fell by 4.93% for the week ending 1 October 2023.

Homeware total LFLs fell by -2.61% from a positive base of +7.33% for the same week last year, indicating the category’s twenty-fifth negative result so far in 2023.

Store sales for homeware slightly declined by -0.33% from strong base of +15.36% for the same week last year, marking the category’s tenth negative result so far in 2023.

Total in-store LFL sales increased by a blip of +0.21% from a solid base of +14.29% for the same week last year. Total non-store LFL sales fell by -5.42% from a good base of +8.87% for the same week last year.

Commenting on the results, BDO said: “Following the sharp rise in its result last week, total in-store LFL sales went flat this week as non-store LFL sales dipped further into the red, although this week’s results are coming off of strong bases for last year.

“The weather in the UK this week was a mix of wet and windy conditions as well as heavy clouds and moments of sunshine. The same week last year experienced cooler temperatures below 7°C alongside strong winds, heavy clouds and rain.”

Overall footfall increased this week by +2.2% compared to the same week last year. Footfall grew on the high street by +5.0%, while it declined in shopping centres by -1.1% and in retail parks by -0.1%.