Dunelm in Q1 sales boost
Sales at home retailer Dunelm have soared to £139m in the 13 weeks to 3 April. The Syston, Leicestershire-based company said sales had risen almost £12m compared to the same period in 2010. Dunelm also said it planned to open a further ten stores over the next financial year.
Total sales growth stood at 9.4 per cent for the 13-week period. The results were revealed in the company’s interim statement to the Stock Exchange this morning.
Two new superstores were opened during the quarter, in Scarborough and Truro. Dunelm said its development pipeline “remains encouraging with ten further stores contractually committed”.
Of the ten stores, one will open in the final quarter of the current financial year and the balance in next financial year, said Dunelm.
Nick Wharton, chief executive, said: “Against strong prior year comparatives and difficult trading conditions, it is pleasing to see the continued growth of our business through new stores and a further strengthening of our market position through share gains. We have maintained our disciplined approach to the management of gross margin and operating costs.
"Looking forward, although we expect the consumer environment to remain very challenging, we are confident of delivering further growth thanks to the strength of our proposition, the launch of new and refitted stores and our multi-channel developments."
