Dunelm stock reports sales rebound after hot-weather setback
Published on 11/04/2026 at 03:29 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWSQuarterly recovery shapes Dunelm outlook
- Sales strengthened late in the quarter after unusually warm weather weakened the opening weeks.
- Digital sales remained a substantial part of the business, while annual profit expectations were maintained.
- Management expects cost-cutting benefits to carry more weight in the second half.
British homewares retailer Dunelm posted a 1.1 percent increase in first-quarter sales for the 13 weeks ended September 26, 2026, Reuters reported on October 15. Trading improved as the quarter progressed after exceptionally warm weather weighed on demand for curtains, shutters and kitchenware at the start of the period.
Late-quarter momentum improved
Sales fell about 3 percent year on year during the first six weeks, before returning to growth of about 4 percent in the final seven weeks. The pattern points to a weaker opening quarter than Dunelm would have preferred, but also to a more resilient trading trend as conditions cooled.
Digital sales, including home delivery, Click & Collect and orders placed on in-store tablets, rose 1 percent and represented 41 percent of total sales. Reuters said Dunelm affirmed its annual profit expectations, while warning that first-half profit would be below the prior-year level because cost-cutting benefits are expected to be weighted toward the second half.
Reuters also reported that Chief Executive Clo Moriarty is pursuing a three-year plan to simplify product ranges and pricing. The strategy is intended to support growth and reduce costs, leaving execution and consumer demand as key issues for investors during the remainder of the financial year. Read the Reuters report.
Dunelm business snapshot
- Company: Dunelm Group plc
- ISIN: GB00B1CKQ739
- Business: UK homewares and furniture retail
- FY26 total sales: GBP 1,825 million
- FY26 profit before tax: GBP 211 million
The broader UK market can be followed through FTSE 100 market coverage.
More company developments are available in More news and analyses on Dunelm stock.
