Dunelm reports strong first quarter
Homewares retailer Dunelm saw its like-for-like sales climb by 5.5% in its first quarter.
In the 13 weeks to 3 October, total sales rose by 12% to £202.3 million. On a like-for-like basis, store sales grew by 4.4% while home delivery sales increased by 25.9%.
At the end of the period Dunelm’s store estate comprised 149 UK superstores including one store opened in the quarter. A total of 10 further openings are under contract, including two relocations, and six of these are expected to commence trading in the current financial year.
Dunelm chief executive Will Adderley said: “Our sales performance was strong in the first quarter, reflecting the steps we have taken to refresh our product range, improve seasonal merchandise and to create an improved shopping experience for our customers in-store.
“The growth achieved in like-for-like store sales is particularly pleasing, and we maintained a solid performance in home delivery following the launch of our new website in July. As the new site becomes fully bedded down, we expect to see substantial further growth through this channel.”
Dunelm has also announced that it has acquired the Fogarty bedding brand and trademarks on a worldwide basis. The retailer currently sells a number of Fogarty products both through its stores and on-line.
Adderley continued: “I am delighted that we have acquired the rights to the Fogarty brand. This investment, as with the acquisition of Dorma a few years ago, adds an important brand to our portfolio. It further strengthens our specialist homewares retail proposition and provides a number of potential growth opportunities for the medium term.”
