Homewares retailer, Dunelm, has reported a “strong performance” in its second quarter.
According to an update on trading for the 13-week period ended 31 December 2022, total sales of £478m were 18% higher than the same period last year and up 48% compared to three years ago, pre-pandemic.
Dunelm says this performance reflects a strong quarter in which Autumn and Winter product ranges proved particularly popular with customers. The company saw broad based growth across its categories and its Christmas offer sold well. Customers seeking ways to mitigate higher heating costs also found value in Dunelm’s ‘Winter Warm’ assortment, as well as in products such as heated indoor airers.
The Leicestershire firm expects full year profit before tax to be above current market expectations.
Nick Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer, said: “We have delivered another strong performance and the relevance of Dunelm’s value offering has really come to the fore. Customers have enjoyed shopping our ‘Winter Warm’ ranges as they find innovative ways to manage rising heating costs. Our Christmas assortment also proved popular as customers prepared their homes for the festive period.
“It is a difficult time for many people in our communities, so we were delighted to significantly grow our ‘delivering joy’ campaign this year, resulting in over 60,000 Christmas gifts being donated by customers and colleagues to local causes.
“We are deeply conscious of the challenges which everyone is facing and remain focussed on making every pound count across our entire offer, so customers can feel confident in receiving outstanding value whatever their budget or taste.”
