Homewares retailer Dunelm (DNLM) showed no sign of slowing down in the third quarter. Like-for-like sales grew 4.9 per cent in the period - the result of a 2.9 per cent rise in store sales and 40 per cent increase in online revenues - following a strong winter sale event and the growing success of its made-to-measure curtain service.
Management has ambitious growth plans, which include adding 60 superstores, widening the product range and expanding Dunelm's online offer. A new web platform is expect to launch imminently and eight stores have been added to the estate so far this year. The gross margin in the third quarter was level year-on-year and full-year guidance is for a similar outcome, as Dunelm pours money into stores, advertising, products and warehousing facilities to support growth.
