Retail sales saw a modest recovery in the week ending 16th March 2025, with total like-for-like (LFL) sales rising by +4.18%, according to BDO. This follows a weak comparison of -8.82% in the same period last year.
Both store and non-store sales contributed to the uplift, marking the first positive week after two consecutive declines. Store LFL sales increased by +5.61% from a base of -12.67% in 2024, while non-store LFL sales grew by +3.35%, recovering from a previous decline of -1.83%.
Homewares LFL sales rose by +2.21% from a low base of -11.98% last year, recording the eighth positive result for the category in 2025. In-store homewares sales performed strongly, increasing by +3.75% from a base of -10.10%, making it the sixth positive outcome for the category this year.
The improvement in sales coincided with a cold spell across the UK, with wintry showers and icy conditions in northern regions. In contrast, the same period last year experienced a mix of cold and mild weather with sporadic showers.
Overall footfall increased by +2.2%, driven by growth in retail parks (+4.0%) and shopping centres (+3.7%). High streets saw more modest growth of +0.6%.
Source: www.furniturenews.net