Dunelm posts solid sales growth despite “challenging market”
Homewares retailer Dunelm has seen its sales grow by 1.6% to £490 million in the 13 weeks to 28 December despite a “challenging market”.
The second quarter performance meant that sales rose by 2.4% to £894 million in the retailer’s first half.
Subscribe to TRBDuring the quarter, Dunelm entered Ireland through the acquisition of soft furnishing retailer Home Focus and its 13 stores. In addition, it opened its first inner London site at the Westfield London shopping centre and is expecting to launch five new superstores in its second half.
Despite a difficult market backdrop and cost challenges facing the retail sector, Dunelm is still expecting its full year pre-tax profit to be within the range of market expectations of £207 million to £217 million.
Nick Wilkinson, chief executive of Dunelm, said: “We’re pleased with our performance in the first half; we are growing sales and volume, with customers again responding well to the value and choice we offer across our ranges.
“At the same time, we’ve made significant strategic progress across multiple initiatives which are helping us to improve our attractive, specialist offer and continue to gain market share.
“As we navigate this challenging environment, we see even more opportunities to harness our unique business model, raise the bar on our proposition and fulfil our ambitions as The Home of Homes.”
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