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 recorded a profit rise as it transitioned from physical retailer to “proven digital-first, multichannel” retailer.
Dunelm and the Retail Trust are calling on retail employers to join forces on the Retail Industry Against Domestic Abuse (RIADA) campaign to raise awareness of how the sector can better support employees facing domestic abuse.
Dunelm has raised its profit guidance after a stellar fourth quarter.
DFS founder Lord Kirkham and Dunelm founder Bill Adderley have both been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday honours list, alongside six other retailers.
Homewares specialist Dunelm expects full-year profits to come in “significantly ahead” of City expectations after strong sales growth.
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