U.K. Sales Reach Two-Month High Says BDO

In the non-fashion sector, sales were 2.7 percent higher than the same week last year. Some stores reported softer demand due to Father's Day taking place one week in the U.K. later this year, but this was offset by stronger general demand for luxury goods, outdoor equipment and household products, BDO reported.

Fashion sales were up 4.2 percent for the week, which BDO said was a result of cooler weekend weather encouraging shopping trips rather than leisure activity. Promotions helped some stores register double-digit growth.

In the homewares sector results improved for the week, but sales remained negative compared to last year, down 7.9 percent. The recent pattern of weak demand for furniture continued, partially balanced by stronger demand for cookware and textiles, BDO said.

Sales made through non-store channels

"Positive economic news from a number of sectors helped bolster consumer confidence and spending, resulting in an encouraging week for many of the U.K.'s retailers—particularly those in the fashion and non-fashion sectors," says Rupert Eastell, head of retail at BDO Stoy Hayward. "Overall like-for-like sales increased by 2.8 percent, which represented the best weekly increase for more than two months as retailers benefited from higher footfall levels and more positive economic news concerning the economy. Targeted promotions also helped to drive sales, especially across the fashion sector, as did good product availability."