Like-for-like (LFL) retail sales fell by -7.43% for the week ending 9 March 2025 in the UK, compared to a +2.38% increase during the same period last year, according to BDO.
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Brick-and-mortar retail sales declined across all segments, following positive results in the previous year. Despite growth in total non-store LFL sales, it was not sufficient to offset the overall decline. Total store LFL sales dropped -9.00%, falling from last year's +7.40%. Meanwhile, total non-store LFL sales increased by +3.26%, improving from a -8.03% decline in the same week of 2024.
Homewares LFL sales experienced a sharp decline, falling -17.92%, following a -14.12% decrease last year. Store homewares sales saw a significant drop of -22.37%, despite a positive base of +10.28% in 2024. This marks the third consecutive negative result for both categories.
Weather conditions were calm and dry during the week, with temperatures reaching double digits, contrasting with the wintry and snowy conditions experienced in the same period last year.
Overall footfall rose by +1.0%, driven by a +3.4% increase on the high street. Retail parks saw a modest rise of +0.3%, while shopping centres recorded a -3.1% decline.
Source: www.furniturenews.net