MISERABLE spring weather generated an £8m sales boost at homeware retailer Dunelm – by prompting customers to spruce up their homes.

The group – which has a store at Huddersfield’s Ringway Centre and more than 124 Dunelm Mill stores UK-wide selling kitchenware, bedding and rugs – said like-for-like sales rose by 10.4% in the 13 weeks to June 30 as it benefited from the wettest April and June on record. Shares closed up 19p or 4% at 531p.

Dunelm said pre-tax profits for the year to the end of June will exceed City expectations at about £96m, up from £83.6m last time.