Dunelm reopens online business after making coronavirus safety changes

Dunelm shut its online operation along with its stores last month as the country went into lockdown, but has now begun a phased reopening.

The retailer said it consulted “external specialists, including NHS professionals” to advise on changes and that it had received approval from Trading Standards to open its website for business again.

Dunelm reported that, since the site’s reopening, order levels have been “significantly higher than those seen prior to the onset of coronavirus”.

Next week, it intends to resume two-person delivery of products, which is not available at present, once it finalises “a safe and workable delivery solution”. 

Dunelm chief executive Nick Wilkinson said: “We remain focused on doing the right thing for our colleagues, customers and the communities where we operate, and I am pleased that we have safely reopened our online operations.

“I am immensely grateful for the dedication and commitment of our colleagues and supplier partners, who have demonstrated great agility and determination in a dynamic and unprecedented situation.

“Whilst many uncertainties remain, we have ensured that Dunelm and its many stakeholders will be well-supported through this difficult period and are confident that we will emerge from this crisis as a stronger business ready to return to sustainable and profitable growth.”

The retailer said it will draw down in full a £165m revolving credit facility and that it has had confirmation of eligibility for funding through the Bank of England’s Covid Corporate Financing Facility.

Wilkinson has taken a voluntary 90% pay reduction and the rest of the executive management has taken a 20% cut. All of Dunelm’s non-executive directors have waived their fees in full for April, May and June.