// Dunelm posts a fall in first-quarter sales but maintains annual guidance despite a challenging macroeconomic environment
// The retailer reported sales of £357 million for the 13 weeks ended October 1, down 8% from the previous year
Dunelm has seen its first-quarter sales drop from a year earlier when pent-up demand and strong summer sales had buoyed its performance.
Despite tough trading conditions amid the cost-of-living crisis, the homeware retailer has maintained its annual guidance and described trading as “robust”
Sales for the 13 weeks to October 1 fell 8% to £357m against a tough comparator last year when people spent more on home improvements during Covid lockdowns. Revenue rose 36% against pre-pandemic levels.
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“The macroeconomic environment remains challenging, and our primary focus is on continuing to offer outstanding value and choice to all our customers, across our broad range of homewares products,” said Dunelm.
The retailer said digital sales accounted for a third of its total sales, in line with the previous year, adding that it was seeing a “very good response” from customers to its seasonal “winter warm” products including rugs, curtains and blankets.
“As we enter what will clearly be a challenging winter for consumers, our absolute focus remains on making every pound count for everyone, through a tight grip on operations,” Chief executive Nick Wilkinson said.
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