Out-of-town homewares retailer Dunelm Group plc announces its interim results for the 26 weeks to 27 December 2008.
Sales at the chain rose 2.3% to £201.8m from 2007's £197.4m, but like-for-like sales were down 5.6%

However, the chain also said sales for the eight weeks to 21 February this year were up 4.4% on like-for-like basis.

Operating profit in 2008 declined 5.4% to £26.1m from 2007's £27.6m, while profit before taxation was up by 0.2% to £27.3m (2007: £27.2m)

Three new superstores opened at the end of 2008 and a further three are planned this financial year.

Chief Executive, Will Adderley, said: "In a significantly declining market for homewares, our first half performance was a satisfactory result and we continued to gain market share.

"Despite the recessionary background our recent winter sale was very successful, contributing to strong like-for-like sales growth in the first eight weeks of the second half.

"As a debt-free and cash generative business, Dunelm is well placed to trade successfully through an extended down-turn."