Out-of-town specialist homewares retailer Dunelm recorded a 2.4 per cent fall in like-for-like sales in the 13 weeks to June 28, 2008. Total sales rose 7.7 per cent in the period.

However, in the year to June 28 like-for-like sales rose 2.5 per cent. Total sales rose 10.5 per cent to£391.8 million in the same period. Gross margins also increased, by 60 basis points in the year.

Dunelm opened eight superstores in the past financial year, bringing its total to 76, as well as 13 older format high street stores. It plans to open a further seven units in the next financial year.

In February, Dunelm said the second half of the financial year would be tougher, after recording a 10.6 per cent increase in sales for the first half. During this period like-for-like sales climbed 4.9 per cent.

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