In the week ended 2nd February 2025, total LFL retail sales rose by +1.69% from a base of +1.10% for the same week last year, reports BDO.
The total LFL sales outcome was boosted by positive in-store sales results realised across all retail segments, while total non-store dropped for the first time in the last five weeks.
Homewares saw a significantly positive outcome this week, leading the LFL sales growth stats for all segments both in-store and non-store. Total homewares LFL sales jumped by +8.98% from a base of +4.40% for the same week last year, representing the category’s 10th consecutive positive outcome. Store sales saw an uptick of +11.22% from a negative base of -2.25% for the same week last year, representing the category’s fourth positive outcome in the last six weeks.
Across all categories, total in-store LFL ticked up by +3.84% from a base of -1.17% for the same week last year. Total non-store LFL sales dipped by -4.15% from a base of +6.97% for the same week last year.
The week saw the UK’s weather gradually turning drier following wet conditions caused by Storm Éowyn in the week prior, although it was damp and slightly wet for some, but predominantly clear. During the same week last year, the weather was chilly and cloudy in most parts, while northern areas experienced wetness and strong winds from Storm Ingunn.
Overall footfall rose by +2.2% YoY. Footfall increased by +0.7% on the high street, while it grew by +4.0% in shopping centres and +3.6% in retail parks, BDO concludes.
