// Dunelm reopens online business amid coronavirus pandemic

// The homewares giant closed all operations last month following a government-mandated lockdown

Dunelm has reopened its online business for orders after putting security measures in place to protect staff and customers from the risk of transmission amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The homeware retailer has now said its website has seen “significantly higher” order levels than before the pandemic, following its reopening.

Dunelm closed its online operations last month, joining a list of major retailers putting similar measures in place.

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The retailer shut physical stores last month when it confirmed it will temporarily close stores in response to the government-mandated lockdown.

Physical stores remain closed, with the staff being furloughed.

As of April 11, net debt was £40 million, while financing facilities are a fully drawn £165 million revolving credit facility and £10 million overdraft.

Executive management have taken a 20 per cent pay cut while chief executive Nick Wilkinson is giving up 90 per cent of his salary and the chairman and non-executive directors will not be paid in the three months to June.

Dunelm said it consulted “external specialists, including NHS professionals” to advise on changes and that it had received approval from Trading Standards to open its website for business again.

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