Total group sales rose 9 per cent for the 24 weeks to October 13, a 5 per cent like-for-like increase.
The UK, Nordic and Greek electricals divisions led the performance, with like-for-like growth of 6 per cent, 4 per cent and 7 per cent respectively. Sales were driven by flatpanel, high definition TVs, laptops, digital SLR cameras, games consoles and accessories.
However, DSGi’s Italian arm reported a like-for-like fall 8 per cent during the period. As revealed in Retail Week magazine (October 12) UniEuro boss Mark Rollman left the troubled business last week.
The computing division reported growth of 4 per cent. However, poor sales of Microsoft’s Vista products and a reduction in laptop stocks have reduced gross margins by 2 per cent, equating to a£20 million fall in first-half group profits.
The e-commerce division, which includes dixons.co.uk and FotoVista, recorded a like-for-like surge of 26 per cent.
DSGi chairman Sir John Collins said: “Our performance in Italy remains disappointing with a weak consumer backdrop continuing to affect sales growth. We continue to reposition the UniEuro brand and improve our proposition to the customer, supported by the restructured operational base.”
He added: “There is much debate about the uncertain outlook in some of our markets for the consumer environment in 2008. While profits in the first half will be down year on year, the next 3 months include the important Christmas peak season, a period in which over half our annual profits are generated. We are well prepared for this period and are cautiously optimistic that our product pipeline and market leading propositions will excite our customers.”
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