Dunelm's first quarter sales surge

In the 13 weeks to 3 October, the FTSE 250 posted a 12% year-on-year increase in total sales to £202.3m, while like-for-like sales climbed 5.5% to £183.3m.

“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,” said group chief executive Will Adderley.

“As the new site becomes fully bedded down, we expect to see substantial further growth through this channel.”

In a trading update on Thursday, Dunelm said it had registered strong trading online and in-store, adding the newly acquired Fogarty brand had performed well in both sectors.

“The investment further strengthens our specialist homewares retail proposition and provides a number of potential growth opportunities for the medium term,” said Adderley.

Dunelm shares were up 2.29% to 915.50p at 0810 BST on Thursday.