Dunelm online business reopens; orders higher than before Covid
Homeware retailer Dunelm said on Thursday that its online business is now fully operational following the introduction of a number of health and safety measures, with recent online order levels "significantly higher" than before the coronavirus pandemic.
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The company, which closed down all of its retail operations at the end of March in line with government guidance, said that the delivery of two-man products was expected to begin next week, once it finalises a "safe and workable delivery solution".
"Since reopening, we have been able to satisfy a high level of online customer demand, with recent online order levels significantly higher than those seen prior to the onset of coronavirus," it said.
Dunelm’s stores remain closed and the majority of its staff has been furloughed under the government's Job Retention Scheme, while its customer engagement centre employees are working from home.
The company said it has now received confirmation from the Bank of England that it is eligible to access funding under the Covid Corporate Financing Facility.
"The board is confident that the group has access to sufficient liquidity, even in the event of a prolonged store closure period. Currently, we would only anticipate the need to issue paper under the CCFF scheme in the event that our stores remain closed for a period greater than six months," it said.
Dunelm’s executive management team has taken a voluntary 20% pay cut, while chief executive officer Nick Wilkinson has taken a voluntary 90% pay reduction, and the chairman and non-executive directors have waived 100% of their fees. These changes will be in effect from April to June.
Wilkinson said: "Whilst many uncertainties remain, we have ensured that Dunelm and its many stakeholders will be well-supported through this difficult period and are confident that we will emerge from this crisis as a stronger business ready to return to sustainable and profitable growth."