Bargain retail giant B&M has reported profits in the last quarter more than doubled - with the chain on track to open up to 45 new stores this year.
In half year results to September 26 reported on Thursday, the Merseyside-based group said as well as profit before tax increasing 128.5% to £235.6m, revenues across the group were up 25.3% to £2.2bn.
B&M has been allowed to remain open throughout both national lockdowns, with the group's other brands Heron Foods and French business Babou performing well too.
The statement also said the group had created over 1,800 new jobs since the start of the pandemic, as well as repaying £3.7m of furlough money it received at the outset.
Simon Arora, chief executive, said: "The group delivered a strong performance in the first half, with our business model proving well-attuned to the evolving needs of customers. Our combination of everyday value across a broad range of product categories and convenient Out of Town locations has proved popular with shoppers.
"During such challenging times, we have been proud to play an active role in supporting the communities in which we operate, having created over 1,800 new jobs across the Group during the past six months in addition to repaying the £3.7m furlough support originally received during the height of the crisis.
"I am proud of the way in which our colleagues have risen to the many challenges posed by Covid-19. I thank them for the commitment, hard work and resilience they have demonstrated in keeping our shelves filled and maintaining an environment which is as safe as possible for our colleagues and customers.
"Despite the wider economic uncertainty and ongoing restrictions related to Covid-19, we remain confident in our business model and future prospects."
Net cash flows from operating activities was £343m - an increase of 148.2% from the same period last year, with the group also announcing a special dividend of 25.0p per share - "to return surplus cash to shareholders".
During the height of the crisis at the start of the financial year, B&M recognised "the considerable efforts of store and distribution colleagues" by paying them 110% of their normal pay.
In addition, £1m in cash donations were delivered at speed to foodbanks across the UK, and £2.9m of discounts were granted to NHS workers.
