Furniture retailer DFS has almost doubled its half-year profit despite a slowdown in store footfall.

The London-listed group reported a pre-tax profit of £30m for the first half, up from £16m in the same period last year, as revenue rose nine per cent to £548m.

Gross sales also increased nine per cent to £735m, signalling resilient demand despite a more challenging trading environment.

The results come as retailers across the country grapple with declining footfall, with visits to shopping centres falling by more than five per cent in February amid exceptionally high rainfall.

The conditions have impacted both retail and hospitality, dampening in-store activity during a key trading period.

DFS’s performance marks a significant turnaround from 2024, when the business fell into loss, citing an “extremely challenging” consumer environment and disruption linked to Red Sea shipping routes.

The latest results suggest the group is beginning to stabilise, supported by improved operational efficiency and cost control.

The retailer has resumed shareholder returns, announcing a 1p dividend after opting not to pay one in its full-year results last September.

As part of its turnaround strategy, DFS said it is reducing supply costs and increasing its use of AI to improve both customer experience and internal operations.

The business is also leaning into exclusive brand partnerships to drive demand, including a recent collection launched with Amanda Holden in December.

Looking ahead, DFS plans to invest further in its Sofology fascia, opening new stores, while also expanding into the home decoration category as it seeks to diversify its offering and capture additional share of wallet.

Analysts at Panmure Liberum said the group is well positioned to capitalise on current market conditions.

“Despite a more uncertain macro backdrop, DFS now has more levers to drive share gains,” they said. “Historically, the group has accelerated during periods of market stress, reinforcing confidence in its positioning.”

The broker forecasts DFS will deliver £46m in pre-tax profit this year, rising to £57m by 2028.

Despite softer footfall and what the company described as “delicately balanced” consumer confidence, DFS reiterated its full-year revenue guidance of £1.4bn.

However, it noted that these targets remain dependent on avoiding further supply chain disruption linked to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

DFS shares are currently trading at 149.5p, down nearly 15 per cent year-to-date, reflecting continued uncertainty in the wider retail market.

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