Homeware retailer Dunelm on Wednesday said a “cleanfluencers” trend on social media helped full-year sales to leap.
Boss Nick Wilkinson said many new customers have visited his firm inspired by Instagram and Pinterest posts from influencers talking about home decor and cleaning products.
He added that after Instagram star Mrs Hinch mentioned a Dunelm bamboo bath rack, it quickly sold out. Dunelm did not pay her to promote it.
The retailer recorded 4.8% revenue growth to £1.1 billion in the year to June 29, with comparable sales up 10.7% and strong online growth.
Pretax profits increased 23% to £125.9 million and Dunelm declared a special dividend of 32p for the year.
But Wilkinson warned that the chain is cautious about its outlook owing to Brexit uncertainty, “and specifically the impact it may have on consumer spending as we enter our peak period”.
The shares fell 72.17p, or 8.2%, to 808.32p.
