Homewares specialist Dunelm pre-tax profit soared 14.6% to £59.8m in its half year to December 29 as its store expansion continued with 10 superstores opened over the period.

Like-for-likes edged up 2.2% and total sales jumped 13.4% to £340.1m. Gross margin rose 30 basis points to 49.5%.

The homeware retailer said it continued to gain market share on a like-for-like basis while it has continued to expand opening 10 superstores during the period. The 133 store retailer has signed for a further six sites.

Dunelm chief executive Nick Wharton said: “With a specialist proposition which continues to appeal to a broad spread of customers, Dunelm has continued to outperform the overall homewares market.

“We have made good strategic progress, particularly supported by our work to improve customer service, the continued expansion of our store portfolio across the UK and the progress made in our on-line offering.”