Dunelm saw sales nudge up during its first quarter, despite witnessing “volatile trading conditions”.

Sales were up 3.5% to £403m for the quarter ended 28 September, which it said were driven by volume and delivered against a strong prior year comparative.

Dunelm’s digital revenue also rose 2 percentage points as a proportion of total sales to 37%, as it continued to “improve (its) online offer.”

The homewares brand claimed it “continued to gain market share in the quarter” and said it had made good progress against its strategic priorities, with its first inner London store set to open in Westfield London during its first half, and its AI-driven online search now live.

It plans to open five to 10 new superstores per year over the “medium term”.

Dunelm CEO Nick Wilkinson said: “We have delivered robust sales growth over the first quarter, offering a wide range of products for the home, at outstanding value, and this continues to resonate with new and existing customers.

“As ever, relevance is central to our offer and we were delighted by the success of our largest student campaign yet, which was well received by customers seeking out bright and stylish designs.”

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