Value homewares group Dunelm has posted a rise in first-quarter sales despite strong comparisons last year.
Dunelm’s total sales in the first quarter increased by 8.3% versus 36% last year.
The retailer reported: “This strong performance was mainly driven by the positive customer response to our summer Sale in July – which was postponed from the fourth quarter of full-year 2021 – improved product availability and some popular new ranges in our furniture categories.”
Dunelm added that “given the strength of the comparative period, which benefited from some pent-up demand following store closures during the first national lockdown, we are pleased to have grown sales across the total retail system during the quarter”.
Digital sales rose 20%, which Dunelm said “demonstrates the strength of our integrated offer, providing customers with an attractive digital proposition, combined with local, friendly and convenient in-store shopping experiences”.
It added: “Growth in the first quarter of the new financial year has been encouraging and we have seen continued outperformance versus the homewares market.
“In the absence of any significant change in consumer demand driven by further Covid-related lockdowns or other industry shortages, the board expects that full-year profit before tax will be in line with analysts’ recently increased consensus expectations.”
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