Dunelm is a British homewares and furnishings retailer founded in 1979 by husband and wife Bill and Jeany Adderley. The business has been transformed as a result of the acquisition of the Worldstores Group – comprising the Worldstores, Achica and Kiddicare etail brands – towards the end of 2016, in an £8.5m deal that more than doubled the size of its online business. The main benefit from the acquisition was the access to technology and digital development capabilities. Importantly, it sees the technology platform acquired with Worldstores as a real asset. The retailer confirmed in December 2019 that it had successfully transitioned all of its customers to its new digital platform, completing the three-year technology transformation programme. This should enable the retailer to launch click and collect and improve delivery options. The retailer is also continuing to invest in staff training, including the use of tablets in store, as well as further investment in data insights to help improve the customer experience.
Dunelm has upgraded its profit forecast after a strong performance over Christmas saw sales skyrocket.
Value-led homewares specialist Dunelm has delivered one of retail’s strongest performances over the past two years. A new digital platform served it well in the pandemic and its low-cost operating model has protected margins, but as the post-Covid homewares boom relaxes amid the cost-of-living crisis will it be able to sustain its success?
Homewares specialist Dunelm has posted a fall in quarterly sales but described trading as “robust” and maintained profit forecasts in the face of tough trading conditions.
Dunelm has recorded an uplift in both profits and sales, gaining market share from homewares competitors.
Recipe box subscription business Mindful Chef, which focuses on healthy eating, has emerged as the top retailer to work for in the UK, according to employee reviews.
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