The homewares retailer posted record results and profits with sales for the year to June 30 surging 7.8%.
Underlying profit before taxation was up nearly 8% to £41 million.

Chief executive Will Adderley said the stores were helped by the bad weather as homeowners renovated their properties.

However, he was keen to point to the retailer's investment in its 'Simply Value For Money' offer, the stores' ranges, and customer service for the stunning performance.

Part of Dunelm's success was attributed to it recently reaching an agreement with Dorma to provide exclusive designs of Dorma-branded bed linen.

It has also increased the depth of its range in kitchen products, and in response to customer demand, extended the range of storage products.

During the period Dunelm opened new stores in Stevenage, and Colchester, and relocated a Swansea store to a new (and larger) unit.

It ended the period with 83 stores, of which 66 are out-of-town superstores.

"The availability of good sites, and our ability to secure these, remains key to our growth, and we have recently
strengthened and expanded our property team," Will Adderley said.

He anticipates opening four further superstore openings in this financial year including Bradford and Perth.

"We have a strong pipeline for next financial year, with two new superstore locations already committed and several
others in advanced negotiations," he added.

Trading in the second half has seen sales for the nine weeks to March 3 up 10.0%.

The chief executive said with the business' clear focus it is on course to realise its long-term target of 150 superstores.

It is also continuing to expand its online store following the launch of a transactional website in January 2006.

The range of products available online has been increased to more than 5,000.