Dunelm sales drop by 8.3% to £356.7 million for the three months to the end of September aThe value retailer is hoping to capitalise on families trading down as their household budgets come under strain from rising inflation and it predicted that it would meet its full-year financial targets.Nick Wilkinson, 56, chief executive, said: “As we enter what will clearly be a challenging winter for consumers, our absolute focus remains on making every pound count for everyone through a tight grip on operations. We will continue to offer outstanding value at all price points, so our customers can make their own choices around adapting to the economic backdrop. This focus on value has seen Dunelm successfully navigate previous periods of economic uncertainty.”Analysts at Peel Hunt said: “Consumers remain value-focused and respond well to emails and communications with value messaging, Dunelm is also seeing customers buy into ‘winter warm’ trends, such as higher-tog duvets and throws and energy-efficient devices, such as air fryers. In tougher trading conditions, we expect Dunelm’s market share to accelerate.”
