Homeware retailer Dunelm has revealed a 'resilient' start to 2021, thanks to a strong digital sales demand.

The business posted a new trading update, showing digital sales are helping to offset the impact of temporary store closures due to the pandemic.

Total sales for the 13-week period to March 27 reached £236.6m, down from £284.4million the year before.

With stores in Gloucester and Cheltenham, the retailer began its third quarter period on December 27 with 80 sites closed to customers, with all 174 stores closed by January 5.

But Dunelm said in the same period digital sales more than trebled when compared to 2020, enabled by enhancements to its operational capabilities. This allowed the business to cover more than 83 per cent of the prior year's sales.

Chief executive Nick Wilkinson said "In a quarter when we were largely unable to open our stores, it has been very encouraging to see the strength of our digital channels which have enabled us to cover over 83 per cent of sales from the same period last year.

"This resilient performance is testament to the commitment and dedication of our teams, who continue to adapt and innovate the Dunelm customer proposition.

"We are now looking forward to reopening, with colleagues ready to welcome back customers through our doors. We have worked hard to rebuild inventory levels and our stores are well stocked across our extensive product range."