Across the week ended 9th March 2025, total LFL retail sales depreciated by -7.43% from a base of +2.38% for the same week last year, reports BDO.
Retail sales in brick-and-mortar venues dropped across all retail segments, although the week’s LFL results compare to positive base outcomes for last year.
Although the result for total non-store LFL sales returned to growth, it was not enough to boost total LFL sales into positive territory. Total store LFL sales tumbled -9.00% from a negative base of +7.40% for the same week in 2024. Total non-store LFL sales grew by +3.26% from a base of -8.03% for the same week last year.
Homewares total LFLs sank by -17.92% from an negative base of -14.12% for the same week in 2024. Store homewares sales tumbled -22.37% from a base of +10.28% for the same week last year. The week’s homewares total and store sales results represent the third consecutive negative outcome for both categories.
The week enjoyed calm and dry conditions, with the weekend seeing glorious weather as temperatures climbed into double digits. The same week last year experienced unsettled weather alongside wintry and snowy conditions in some parts of the UK.
Overall footfall saw a growth of +1.0%, which was chiefly driven by a good footfall result on the high street (+3.4%). Retail park footfall saw a modest increase of +0.3%, while shopping centres witnessed a decline of -3.1%.
