Homewares retailer Dunelm has reported total sales growth of 10.6 per cent for the 26 weeks to December 29, 2007 – up from £178.4 million to £197.4 million.

The retailer posted a 4.9 per cent increase in like-for-like sales for the same period.

Dunelm opened superstores in Aberdeen, Peterborough, Eastbourne, Dumfries and Shoreham-by-sea, West Sussex, last year. Its portfolio includes 73 superstores and the retailer remains committed to a target of at least 150. Further openings this year will be in Leeds, Bournemouth, Huddersfield and Sittingbourne, Kent.

Dunelm chief executive Will Adderley said: “We are delighted to have maintained such a strong like-for-like sales performance during a period when we estimate the homewares market has shown little or no growth.

“With all that has been said and written about a slowdown in the consumer economy, we will naturally approach the next few months with caution. Having said that, we feel our exposure is limited by our relatively low transaction values; on average, our shoppers spend under£30 each visit.”

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