Carpetright proved itself one of the few members of the high street to benefit from the recent cold snap, as customers' increased focus on interiors saw sales rise 4.4% overall during the retailer's final quarter.
Like-for-likes flourished by 5.6% in the UK, and the store base increased by one during the 12 weeks to April 20, 2013, bringing the total to 477, of which 180 have now been modernised.

Chief executive Darren Shapland pointed out that "excluding the expected contraction in sales from the wholesale business, our core UK retail business would have reported like-for-like sales growth of 6.7% for the period."

He added: "Whilst the recent cold spring weather has been positive to our sales, we believe this performance reflects the continued success of our programme of self-help initiatives. These include the ongoing programme of store refurbishments, the introduction of our improved laminate range to more stores, the development of our bed business and the increased use of digital media.

"This has been achieved in a market which remains challenging with consumers very focused on getting a good deal, necessitating a highly visible and compelling promotional programme."

Gross margin for the period was said to be in line with previously announced expectations, with the retailer's view of the full year gross profit percentage improvement now in the range of 225-250 basis points above the previous year.

"The group result for the year to date is in line with management's expectations and whilst trading conditions remain challenging, we have good momentum with our self-help initiatives which we believe will carry onto the new financial year," added Mr Shapland.

The group will report preliminary results for the financial year ending April 27, 2013, on June 25.