Retailer DFS Furniture has revealed online sales rocketed by more than three quarters in the last six months.
Gross sales in the retailer’s online channels rose 76% over the 24 weeks to December 13, compared with the same period last year.
The figures helped push up overall sales at the Doncaster headquartered firm by 19% compared with 2019, DFS said in an update to shareholders.
The business is, however, facing a tough environment, after being forced to close 52 of its 212 showrooms that fall into Tier 4 areas of England.
It has also closed seven in Wales, and six in the Netherlands.
Online orders and manufacturing are continuing in Tier 4 areas, DFS said, although problems at the borders are causing delays to deliveries.
It said it expects to report a closing interim net debt position of £40-50m, which it said reflected the strength of first half trading.
Chief executive Tim Stacey said: “I want to thank every colleague in our group for their resilience, spirit and determination to overcome the many and varied operational challenges that we have faced since reopening our business after the first lockdown.
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“We are working all hours focusing on what we can control to look after our people and our customers.
“I want to thank our customers for their patience given the ongoing disruption to our deliveries due to port congestion and raw material shortages, as well as apologise to those that have experienced delays.
“While the current environment is clearly unpredictable, our business model is resilient and we are well set for medium-term growth.”
DFS said it has made preparations for a no-deal Brexit, but it is likely to be less affected than other 海角视频 businesses.
Upholstered finished goods are not subject to tariffs under the World Trade Organisation that will apply on trade between the 海角视频 and the EU after Brexit, unless a deal is struck in time.