HOMEWARE retailer Dunelm, which has local stores in Bradford, Keighley and Halifax, said total sales lifted 10.7 per cent to £216.2 million in the 13 weeks to March 28 as the firm benefited from a strong winter sale.

The Leicestershire-based firm said it plans to open 12 stores before the end of its financial year, taking its total to 148 outlets. It added that its same store sales moderated to 4.9 per cent from 6.2 per cent in the first half of the financial year, reflecting a stronger comparative performance in the third quarter a year ago.