Dunelm warns of slower sales growth after strong third quarter

Out-of-town homewares retailer Dunelm today warned of a slowdown in sales growth, despite unveiling a jump in takings for the third quarter.

The firm, which runs 134 Dunelm Mill stores, said like-for-like sales during the 13 weeks to 30 March were 5.2 per cent higher than the same period a year ago as it benefited from the early arrival of Easter and a later end to its winter sale.

But chief executive Nick Wharton said like-for-like sales growth would be “much harder to achieve in the remainder of the current financial year” because of the group’s “exceptionally” strong performance during the fourth quarter of last year.

He added: “With clear opportunities to strengthen further our customer offer in store, to roll out more new stores and to benefit from our exciting multi-channel agenda, the board remains confident in the longer term growth prospects for the business.”