The homeware retailer’s like-for-like sales increased 5% during the 13 weeks to December 28. With the benefit of new store openings during the period, total like for likes increased 6.2%.

During the quarter, the business transitioned to its new digital platform and registered “significantly more customers” on its site during the peak Christmas trading period – more than its previous system would have permitted.

Dunelm expects profit before tax for the first half to be around £83m, up from £70m the previous year.