Dunelm eyes first half profit rise
Homewares retailer Dunelm said it expects to post half year profit before tax in the range of 59m-60m pounds as it cautioned that sales growth in like for like stores will become much harder to achieve in the remainder of the current financial year.
Homewares retailer Dunelm said it expects to post half year profit before tax in the range of 59m-60m pounds as it cautioned that sales growth in like for like stores will become much harder to achieve in the remainder of the current financial year.
The bedding, curtains and blinds retailer said total sales for the 26 week period to December 29th 2012 rose to £340.1m from £299.9m the year before. Like for like sales for the half-year increased by 2.2%.
Gross margin for the half year is expected to improve by 30 basis points compared with the prior year.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Commenting on Dunelm's performance Chief Executive Nick Wharton said: "Dunelm has delivered another strong trading performance in the last half year, continuing to gain market share on a like for like basis, while strengthening its customer proposition and adding 10 new superstores."
"As we annualise our exceptionally strong comparative performance in the final quarter of last financial year, we anticipate that sales growth in like for like stores will become much harder to achieve in the remainder of the current financial year."
"Nevertheless, with a significant new store growth opportunity and an exciting multi-channel agenda in place, the Board remains confident in the longer term growth prospects for the business."
CJ
Get the latest financial news, insights and expert analysis from our award-winning MoneyWeek team, to help you understand what really matters when it comes to your finances.
MoneyWeek is written by a team of experienced and award-winning journalists, plus expert columnists. As well as daily digital news and features, MoneyWeek also publishes a weekly magazine, covering investing and personal finance. From share tips, pensions, gold to practical investment tips - we provide a round-up to help you make money and keep it.
-
‘Inheritance tax insurance’ enquiries are soaring – but is it worth it?
Premiums for whole of life insurance can run to £5,000 a month to cover a £300,000 inheritance tax bill, with policies costing more the older you take them out.
-
MPs warn over Lifetime ISAs which could leave savers out of pocket
The Treasury Committee has highlighted confusion around the Lifetime ISA withdrawal charge, which risks consumers losing “a significant part of their savings”