Partner Article

Dixons report “encouraging” sales in UK and Europe

Sales were up in the first half for electrical retailer Dixons, with a 2% rise for the year so far, and a 5% improvement in like-for-like sales in quarter one.

The owner of PC World and Currys saw 5% growth in the UK and Ireland like-for-like, while European sales were strong with a 13% increase in the North, however sale worsened slightly by 1% in Italy, Greece and Turkey.

Sales across the company’s multiple selling channels rose by nearly 50% in the UK and Ireland, while an increase of 39% was enjoyed across the group.

Chief executive, Sebastian James, commented: “While it is still early in our financial year, I am encouraged by the start we have made across the Group.

“We have had a real boost from a busy summer of events in the UK and our Northern European operations continue to go from strength to strength.”

Dixon’s acquisition early in August this year maintained a “challenging” trading outlook, after the group secured 22% interest of the PIXmania business.

Mr James continued: “I am pleased that we now have day to day control of PIXmania allowing us to take the decisive actions necessary to improve its performance.

“August has proven to be quieter across the retail sector in some of our markets and we continue to be cautious about the outlook.

“However, we are well placed for the back to school period and look forward to the launch of Windows 8 and the exciting new products that we will have available for customers for the Christmas period.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .