DSG nets a World Cup boost
DSG International said yesterday its total group sales were up three per cent after a boost from World Cup TV purchases and the success of the iPad.
In an update on trading for the 12 weeks to 24 July the company, which owns Currys and PC World, said its online sales had surged by 12 per cent compared with the same period last year.
DSG said its store refit programme was on track with 200 stores now reformatted in Britain.
The retailer, which also owns UniEuro in Italy, Elkjop in Nordic countries, and Kotsovolos in Greece, is two years into a turnaround plan focused on selling underperforming businesses, cutting costs, revamping stores, opening larger stores, and improving product ranges and customer service.
Meanwhile, the company is pinning hopes on Christmas sales, including 3D TVs, LED backlit TVs, Apple’s iTouch and motion-sensor gaming devices. Group chief executive John Browett said: “In terms of the economic environment, we’re not in the double-dip school, we don’t see any evidence of that in the way that consumers are spending.
“Our UK businesses performed particularly well, most notably with customers responding to our strong World Cup promotion and the excellent product ranges on offer.”
DSG is facing a challenge from US electricals market leader Best Buy which is now operating in the UK.
Best Buy, through its joint venture with Carphone Warehouse opened three electrical goods megastores this year and said it could build a chain of up to 100 shops to challenge DSG. Meanwhile, DSG will next week ask shareholders to approve a name change to Dixons Retail.