Sales and profit boost for Dunelm

Sales have soared by more than £90m at Leicester-headquartered homewares retailer Dunelm Group with chairman Andy Harrison hailed the company's "great health".

The group has also welcomed the chief executive of fashion chain Jigsaw to its board as it prepares to enter its "next phase of growth".

In the 12 months to 27 June 2015, Dunelm generated sales of £822.7m, up from £730.2m for the previous year. In the 53 weeks to 4 July, revenues reached £835.8m with a pre-tax profit of £122.6m.

Chairman Andy Harrison, who took over from Geoff Cooper in July, said he was "delighted" with the results, which continue the group's "enviable track record of profitable growth".

"We are at a very exciting time in our development. We enter a new chapter of growth with a refreshed executive team."

Harrison's appointment was announced by Dunelm in April after Cooper revealed he would retire after 11 years at the helm of the company.

John Browett will also assume the role of chief executive in January after becoming chief executive designate in July. He will replace Will Adderley.

Adderley said: "It has been a busy and very successful year at Dunelm and the business is in better shape than ever with good momentum and clear plans for further growth.

"I look forward to supporting John Browett, when he takes over in January, and the whole executive team to deliver Dunelm's full potential."

Jigsaw chief executive Peter Ruis has also joined the Dunelm board as non-executive director. Ruis has held his role at Jigsaw since 2013 and has previously worked for retail giants John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Ted Baker and Levi Strauss & Co.

Harrison said: "I am very pleased to welcome Peter to the Dunelm Board. He is a highly experienced and successful retailer with a background in both large and entrepreneurial retail organisations. His skills in growing and transforming retail businesses will be a great asset to the senior team as Dunelm enters its next phase of growth."

Dunelm also said it was committed to developing its infrastructure and a new facility near its existing Stoke warehouse will become operational in spring 2016.

Source : Storm Rannard - Insider Media
www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/147261-dunelm-group-great-health-sales-top-820m/