Dunelm has seen quarterly sales leap compared with pre-pandemic levels.
Sales in the quarter to 26 March reached £399m, an increase of 69% on 2021 when stores were closed other than for click and collect, and by 40% on 2020. Allowing for three weeks of Covid disruption in 2020, sales were 31% higher.
Sales for the nine month period are 37% higher than 2020.
It says it has gained market share in both homewares and furniture.
‘It has been another good quarter for Dunelm with sustained growth across all of our homewares categories, particularly as customers ready their homes and gardens for the summer. Performance has been strong across all channels and our new facilities for e-commerce and furniture fulfilment are now fully operational, which will enhance our multi-channel proposition, whilst providing the capacity for further growth,’ says Nick Wilkinson, Dunelm ceo.
‘Whilst the macro-environment remains uncertain, with significant headwinds and increasing pressures on the consumer, our wide product range offers choice for every budget, whether replacing everyday essential items or refreshing a room in your home. The resilience of the Dunelm business model and the ability of our colleagues to adapt quickly to changing circumstances give us confidence in our plans and we remain well placed to continue to grow market share.’
The chain said it still believed its previous profit forecast of about £207m for the year.