Dunelm’s Xmas wish

DUNELM’S boss said the home will be a bigger part of people’s Christmas than ever as he reported a postlockdown sales boom.

Chief executive Nick Wilkinson said the Government’s ‘rule of six’ means people will spend less time travelling or in pubs and restaurants – and more on their homes.

Sales at the homeware chain grew by 24pc in August, compared to the same month last year, after a 59pc jump in July, fuelled by pent-up demand and the summer sale.

Profits fell 13.3pc to £109.1m in the year to June 27. Wilkinson said: ‘Homes are much more important than they used to be. They are used for more things – work and education.’