Dunelm sees sales grow

Pre-tax profit was up over 10 per cent at the retailer from £68.2m, for the same period last year, to £75.5m.

Total like-for-like sales rose over 4 per cent to £405m, while home delivery like-for-like sales saw a 24 per cent increase. Growth is starting to accelerate following the launch of a new web platform last year.

Dunelm’s store portfolio expansion is on-going with future focus now increasingly on London.

Strong store sales were underpinned by strong performance from curtains and bedding, and in particular the group’s new Kids range.

John Browett, chief executive officer at Dunelm, said: “It is a really exciting time to be at Dunelm - a business built on a strong foundation of exciting product and design, unrivalled knowledge of the homewares market, a low-cost store network, great people and investment in systems.

“Our focus remains on growing the business for the longer term. After making good progress so far, we are continuing to work towards our three part growth strategy and are now focused on eight core projects that will enable us to achieve this.

“This will allow us to improve our business substantially for our customers and, as we increase both our store network around London and our online presence, to develop Dunelm into a truly national homewares brand.

“After a solid performance in the first half, we had a strong sale after Christmas and we expect further good progress in the remainder of the year.”