Homewares retailer Dunelm has reported a 2% dip in like-for-like sales for the first quarter of its current financial year.


Total sales for the 13 weeks to October 1 went up 5.3% to £133.4m.

The company says it has maintained market share on a like-for-like basis over the period based on data from the British Retail Consortium, while gross margin has continued to increase year-on-year, although at a reduced rate.

Chief executive Nick Wharton said: "Despite the challenges provided by the UK consumer environment, our Simply Value for Money proposition continues to resonate with customers in both established and new stores. Given the current environment we continue to take a disciplined approach to operating costs. Nevertheless, we remain confident about the growth opportunities provided both from store expansion and via the web, where we have just completed the launch of full Reserve and Collect functionality."

Dunelm opened one new superstore during the first quarter, bringing the portfolio to 104 across the UK, and also completed two major refits, with substantial increases in selling space. The company plans to open 15 stores in the full year.

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