HOMEWARES chain Dunelm said that its value-for-money appeal helped maintain steady profits as the credit crunch took hold.
The out-of-town retailer, which opened at Ringway Industrial Estate in Huddersfield last year, lifted like-for-like sales by 4.4% in the eight weeks to February 21, aided by a “very successful” winter sale and despite disruption caused by snow.
The group warned of continuing tough trading conditions in the coming months, but said its debt-free balance sheet left it in a strong position.
The retailer, which has 92 stores under the Dunelm Mill name, reported a 5.6% fall in like-for-like sales during the half-year to December 27, but said it had avoided unplanned discounting and increased its gross margin.
