For the 26 weeks to September 29, revenue was up 1.6 per cent like for like and gross profit was up 2.1 per cent like for like. Group revenues were up 8 per cent to£1.46 billion.
In the US, Carphone is planning to roll out its Best Buy Mobile outlets. By the end of September, it had 70 outlets and aims to have up to 1,000 by 2009. The retailer will also increase the number of standalone stores.
Carphone chief executive Charles Dunstone said: “The retail business continues to prosper across Europe and we are announcing today a major roll-out of our US venture.
“We expect a good second half in the retail business, with new product launches and the rising interest in mobile data services driving consumer demand. We are delighted to be the only independent distributor selected by Apple to launch the iPhone. It goes on sale at 6pm tomorrow and has already attracted widespread consumer interest.”
Carphone’s UK fixed-line revenues were up 49 per cent to£687 million. It also has 2.5 million broadband customers.
The retailer is also rolling out its Geek Squad home technology support service. It will expand in the UK first, then into Spain next year and, following that, to other countries.
Analyst Panmure Gordon said the potential roll-out to 1,000 US outlets in conjunction with Best Buy, the move into profitability of broadband and the continuing strength of the underlying retail distribution model across Europe all mean Carphone Warehouse offers good value.
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