Comet in festive sales slump
COMET dragged down sales at parent company Kesa as the electrical store failed beat off its rivals over Christmas.
Like-for-like sales dropped by 3.9 per cent at Comet between 1 November and 8 January.
Kesa’s overall sales fall was limited to 0.3 per cent after growth in its international businesses.
Comet’s performance was overshadowed by a strong festive trading figures from DSG-owned Currys and PC world.
Meanwhile Kesa’s Darty in France went up 3.6 per cent in like-for-like sales at developing operations across Italy, Turkey and Spain reported a 7.8 per cent rise.
Chief executive Thierry Falque-Pierrotin said: “We were well prepared for our peak trading season and saw improving sales trends in most of our businesses.
“I am particularly pleased with the performance at Darty France and the progress we are making in our developing businesses.”
Top sellers over Christmas included televisions, digital cameras and coffee machines.
Falque-Pierrotin added that the electricals market was better-than-expected last year, thanks in part to the temporary VAT reduction.
DSG International reported an 8 cent rise in British and Irish electrical sales over the peak Christmas quarter.