Homeware sales on the high street experienced a third consecutive week of decline, according to the latest BDO High Street Sales Tracker for the week ending 11 May 2025. Total like-for-like (LFL) sales fell by 3.33%, with homeware LFLs dropping 3.73% compared to a positive base of 1.95% the same week last year.
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However, store homeware sales showed signs of recovery, rising by 12.05% from 3.98% the previous year, marking the category's first positive result after two weeks of poor performance. Overall store LFL sales also increased slightly by 0.42%, while non-store sales fell sharply by 4.89% compared to a strong 10.58% the previous year.
BDO commented that the recent negative outcomes were largely due to "a poor non-store sales performance," despite lifestyle sales climbing into positive territory following two weeks of weakness. The weather during the week was initially dry and cloudy but warmed up with temperatures reaching the twenties, similar to the same period last year.
Footfall figures revealed a 1.5% overall decline, with high street footfall falling by 3%, shopping centres down 0.5%, while retail parks experienced a slight increase of 0.5%.
The ongoing challenges in the non-store sector contrast with a modest rebound in physical store sales, suggesting a mixed retail landscape for homeware products as consumer behaviours continue to evolve.
Source: www.bigfurnituregroup.com