Homeware retailer Dunelm said full-year profits are on course to smash expectations after a huge rise in sales following store reopenings.

The retailer, which has stores in Cheltenham and Gloucester, has seen total sales up by 59 per cent on 2019 levels in the seven weeks since 28th March, as people refurbish their homes ready for summer.

Dunelm's sales are significantly ahead of other retailers in the sector and online growth has continued since stores reopened on 12th April, as reported by Retail Gazette.

The retailer now expects its pre-tax profits for the year to top £148 million - far higher than the £128 million to £134 million initially predicted.

Dunelm puts its success down to a combination of pent-up demand during store closures, the ongoing demand for homewares which started at the beginning of the pandemic and the particularly cold spring weather.