Homeware group Dunelm has said that it is confident in its future growth prospects thanks to significant new store growth and a multi-channel agenda.

In the 26 weeks ended December 28th, revenues were up 4.8% to £356.3 million although like-for-like sales fell 0.9% (down from 2.2% the previous year).

Meanwhile, operating profit grew 4.5% with profit before tax up 2.9%.

In terms of its store estate, six new superstores were opened in the period (including one relocation) and ten further sites were committed, of which five (including two relocations) are expected to open in the current year.

Nick Wharton, chief executive, commented: "Dunelm has delivered strong trading results over the period, and has made further important strategic progress.

"We have further strengthened our customer offer, particularly through service, and improved our infrastructure, whilst increasing scale through expanding the store portfolio and growing multi-channel. We have also invested significantly in increasing brand awareness, including through our first TV advertising campaign, and we are encouraged by the early results we have seen from this. I thank all my colleagues across Dunelm for their hard work in helping deliver these considerable achievements.

"Whilst we are cautious about consumer spending trends overall, the combination of a customer offer that continues to appeal to a broad spread of consumers, a significant new store growth opportunity and an exciting multi-channel agenda all provide us with a high degree of confidence in Dunelm's future growth prospects."