Dunelm has posted strong first half sales growth with an increase of 4.5% to £872m driven by volume.
The homeware retailer’s sales in the second quarter grew 1% despite trading against the backdrop of a challenging market thanks to its range and value.
It added that “cosy and warm” products including electric blankets and oversized hoodies all increased in popularity.
Chief executive Nick Wilkinson said: “The breadth of our range and outstanding value of our proposition continues to be well received by customers, resulting in a strong sales performance for the first half despite a tough market backdrop.
During the quarter, the business also continued with plans to improve the customer proposition by expanding its ranges.
The group opened three new stores and continued to optimise dunelm.com with improvements to both site speed and the customer experience.
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Wilkinson added: “Consumers remain under pressure and are actively seeking true value at all price points. Our customer offer and positioning as the ‘Home of Homes’ resonates particularly well in this environment, and we are confident we have continued to gain market share.
The business said it expects pre-tax profit for its full year will be in line with expectations despite volatile market conditions.
Wilkinson added: “We have continued to execute at pace on our strategic plans, opening four new stores over the first half of the year, whilst continuing to expand our ranges and improve our digital offer.
“Our new Spring collections look fantastic in store and are being really well received by customers as we reach the end of our winter sale, leaving us well placed to make further progress in the months ahead.”
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