Heaters and duvets lift Dunelm sales

HOMEWARE and furnishings retailer Dunelm has revealed a jump in sales for the past quarter as shoppers bought heaters and thick duvets to offset the rocketing cost of heating.

The Leicestershire retailer said annual profits are set to beat market expectations following a strong Christmas.

Sales rose 18pc to £478m over the 13 weeks to December 31, compared with the same period last year, and were 48pc up on pre-pandemic levels.

Dunelm told investors that it saw strong growth both in its online business and in stores.

Sales were boosted by popular autumn and winter product ranges, with broad growth across all its categories.

It also highlighted a particular boost from “Winter Warm” items, such as heated indoor airers.

Dunelm also revealed that it saw a significant boost to trading from its winter sale, as shoppers looked for discounts.

Despite the good news, shares in the company were down 3pc, or 32p, at 1042p.