Football frenzy results in mixed week on the High Street

The excitement around the World Cup continued to have an adverse impact on the high street, according to accountants and business advisers BDO LLP. Figures from BDO’s High Street Sales Tracker for the week ending 20 June 2010 show overall, like-for-like sales increased by 1.7 per cent on the same week last year.

Don Williams, Head of Retail at BDO LLP commented:

“Trade was varied this week. Whilst overall sales remained positive, underlying trends suggest that demand is beginning to weaken. With the exception of a handful of stores, the seasonal boost from summer clearance promotions was significantly less marked this week. Fewer people were visiting retail centres, as the combination of great weather and the anticipation around England’s fate in the World Cup have kept people away from the high street.”

Non-fashion +1.9%

The majority of stores struggled to reach positive territory. Health and beauty remained weak, as did leisure goods and gifting with Fathers’ Day proving to be pretty disappointing.

Fashion +2.1%

The start of the summer clearance season helped supplement some positive movements. Otherwise takings were flat or declining across most categories, with some stores registering their worst performance for over two months.

Homewares -1.7%

Sales turned negative for the first time since mid-March. Demand dropped in most areas with furniture and other big ticket areas suffering the most.

Non-store (mail order, online) +38.9%

Sales made through non-store channels continued to grow by impressive levels, with the help of clearance promotions.

-Ends-

Notes to Editors

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