BDO: Milder weather boosts sales

The milder weather has provided a much needed boost for retailers, according to the latest BDO Sales Tracker figures.

Overall, like for like sales for the week ending January 17th only marginally down on last year at 1.5 per cent.

Sales remained negative in the non fashion sector, down 1.9 per cent, although fashion retailers were the strongest performers of the week, with sales slightly up on last year (0.1 per cent). A good number of stores managed to report rising sales, with footwear and outdoor casual lines selling well.

The homewares sector saw overall takings down by double digit levels. Non store sales rose by 30.0 per cent, below average as concerns over delivery problems impacted sales for a second week.

"Although we may start to see some pull back in the next few weeks as shoppers look to pay off their holiday debts, the indication so far is that we are on a moderately upward trend," said Don Williams, head of retail at BDO.