Furniture retailer DFS has announced an increase in profits for the year ending June, largely due to the strong performance of its Sofology brand and a partnership with Amanda Holden, a judge on the popular TV show Britain’s Got Talent. The company's pre-tax profit rose to £43.7 million, up from £32.9 million in the previous year. Revenue also increased by 2.6%, reaching £1.06 billion for the same period, showing a positive trend in sales despite broader economic concerns. Despite these gains, DFS has expressed caution about the current economic climate and weaker market conditions. The company noted a decline in order numbers over recent months, with order intake falling by 2.5% over the 12 weeks ending June. This drop is partly attributed to "extreme weather" events that affected customer footfall and demand. This follows a 1% decline in order intake for the year ending June 28, indicating some challenges in maintaining consistent sales growth. DFS's group chief executive, Tim Stacey, highlighted the company's strength, agility, and resilience in achieving these results. He credited the performance to disciplined cost management, improved gross margins reaching 58%, and strategic investments in technology. These factors have helped DFS maintain profitability even in a challenging environment. Looking ahead, DFS remains cautious about ongoing market uncertainty and its potential impact on consumer confidence and footfall. However, the company expressed confidence in its ability to outperform the wider market. Shares in DFS rose by 0.3% on Thursday morning, reflecting some investor optimism despite the cautious outlook.