Value homewares retailer Dunelm’s like-for-likes rose 3% in the first quarter as it grew share.

Total sales surged 13.8% to £151.8m in the 13 weeks to September 29.

Gross margin “continued to increase” year on year, with an estimated 40 basis points rise. However, Dunelm said the rate of growth is expected to slow down going forward “due to strategic price investment in key product areas”.

The retailer opened three superstores in the period, taking its store count to 118.

Chief executive Nick Wharton said: “This solid quarter of trading reflects the unrivalled choice and excellent value which form the core of our Simply Value For Money proposition, leading to a further gain in market share on a like-for-like basis.

“Despite the challenging consumer environment, this performance further reinforces our confidence in our strategy and in the opportunity for future growth both through new stores, where our pipeline remains strong, and multichannel.”