Dunelm’s growth slowed in the 18 weeks to November 3, despite total sales climbing 10.9 per cent and like-for-likes 5.6 per cent.

Dunelm chief executive Will Adderley said: “The figures are as expected because it has been a challenging few months. We are witnessing a slower consumer appetite to spend, but we also believe we are seeing more of a marked outperformance between us and the rest of the market. Our average transaction is£25 to£30, so we haven’t suffered the way some big-ticket retailers have.”

Since July 1, the homewares retailer has opened superstores in Aberdeen, Scotland and Shoreham, Kent. Others will launch in Leeds, Eastbourne, Bournemouth, Dumfries and Peterborough early next year, taking its superstore count to 76.

Retail analyst Landsbanki, pointing out that like-for-like sales growth was 7 per cent in the first 11 weeks of the year, said the slowdown is linked to the downturn in consumer spend.

However, it added that the weakness in the out-of-town property market could offer Dunelm opportunities for faster expansion.

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