Dunelm expects lower profits as stores were shut during lockdown

The company, which sells furnishings ranging from cushions and bedding to kitchen equipment, expects pre-tax profit between £105m and £110m for the year ended June 27, compared to £125.9m last year.

Nick Wilkinson, CEO of Dunelm, said: “We are incredibly proud of how our team and committed supplier partners have responded during the pandemic and of what we have achieved together.

"Our colleagues have demonstrated exceptional commitment, agility and resilience to adapt our proposition and operations and I would personally like to thank them all.

“The decisions we have made over the last few months have been guided by our principles and values and we are emerging from this unprecedented period as a stronger business.

"This has given us the confidence to accelerate our digital transition and introduce new ways of serving our customers.

"There is lots more to do and we are energised to evolve our customer proposition and operations at pace, as we continue to navigate an uncertain external environment.”