Dunelm chain to expand

Homeware chain Dunelm plans to increase its number of stores in the UK to 200.

The retailer, which currently has 127 including 118 superstores, today announced sales up 12.1 per cent and profits ahead 15.1 per cent for the year to the end of June.

Dunelm said its success was being driven by its value for money policy.

The chain, which has branches in Stafford, Cannock, Walsall, Kidderminster, Oldbury and Wolverhampton, had total sales of £603.7 million with profit before tax of £96.2m.

The West Bromwich-born boss Nick Wharton said: "Dunelm has delivered robust trading results in a demanding retail environment, with our strong focus on retailing excellence leading to increased market share on a like-for-like basis."