Dunelm has said it expects full-year profits to come in “higher than previous expectations” after a period of “strong sales growth”.

The homewares chain said its gross margins have been “stronger than expected as a result of sourcing gains and better sell-through” in its financial year to date.

It also said it had successfully transitioned all of its customers to its new digital platform and “did not see any adverse impact” on performance as a result of the switch.

Dunelm said it maintained “strong” sales growth both in stores and online during the period.

Analysts had expected Dunelm to register a pre-tax profit of £131.9m and EBIT of £133.3m in its 2019/20 financial year.

But the homewares operator is confident it will surpass those forecasts, providing there is “no significant change in consumer demand as a result of the outcome of the general election”.

Dunelm said it would make a “more detailed” trading update on January 9, following the crucial Christmas period.