Dunelm delivers ‘strong’ rise in first-quarter sales

Homewares retailer Dunelm has reported a 5.5 per cent increase in like-for-like sales for the first quarter.

Will Adderley, chief executive of homewares retailer Dunelm

The chain, which has 149 stores across the UK, also said it was on track to open six further branches during the current financial year.

During the 13 weeks to 3 October, in-store takings grew 4.4 per cent on a like-for-like basis compared with a year earlier, while home delivery sales jumped 25.9 per cent, helped by the launch of a new website in July.

Chief executive Will Adderley said he expected “substantial” further online growth as the site beds down, adding: “Our sales performance was strong in the first quarter, reflecting the steps we have taken to refresh our product range, improve seasonal merchandise and to create an improved shopping experience for our customers.”

Dunelm also announced today that it has acquired the rights to the Fogarty bedding brand, which traces its roots back almost 200 years.