Hot weather keeps shoppers away from the high street
A weekend of fine weather kept shoppers in parks and gardens and away from the high street, according to the latest High Street Sales Tracker from BDO LLP.
Overall like-for-like sales for the week ending 25th April decreased by 2.1%.
Don Williams, Head of Retail at BDO LLP commented: “After a successful Easter, fashion retailers saw weaker trade this week with the majority of stores registering lower sales. Non-fashion trade was also lacklustre, with luxury stores in particular having a bad week and some evidence that overseas tourists have been spending less. Homewares sales rose marginally as people stocked up on outdoor furniture to enjoy the sunshine at their gardens.”
Non-fashion -5%
Takings decreased for the vast majority of retailers. Luxury and health and beauty were the weakest performers, while gifting and leisure goods also experienced a poor week.
Fashion -1.4%
Sales movedg into negative territory for only the second time in three months. Mainstream retailers witnessed a relatively steep fall in takings, while sales largely held up across specialist stores
Homewares +1.3%
There was a small uplift in demand with takings marginally ahead of last year. Textiles and outdoor furniture sold particularly well.
Non-store (mail order, online) +40%
Although there was a slight weakening of sales made through non-store channels, demand still remained strong in the vast majority of categories.
