Rise in sales at Dunelm

The group’s like-for-like sales were up 1.6 per cent in the quarter to December 29, helped by demand for its “Teddy Bear” textile range of blankets, cushions, rugs and mattress covers, which it launched in 2008.

And with its “New Lower Prices” campaign failing to derail margins, chief executive Nick Wharton said the company’s 123 stores were on track for half-year profits of up to £60 million, a rise of 15 per cent on a year ago.