DSG lifted by exclusive iPad deal

The group behind Currys and PC World yesterday said first quarter sales leapt 6 per cent thanks to a World Cup boost for televisions and strong demand for Apple's iPad.

DSG International – soon to change its name to Dixons Retail – reported back on an "encouraging start" to its financial year thanks to the robust performance from the UK & Ireland arm.

Its hike in like-for-like sales across the division drove a 3 per cent lift in group-wide comparable revenues in the 12 weeks to July 24.

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DSG said its UK business was buoyed by an exclusive deal to market the iPad, as well as promotions surrounding the World Cup.

John Browett, group chief executive of DSG, said: "This is an encouraging start to the year, especially given the challenging market conditions."

But he added the group remained "cautious about the economic outlook".

DSG's first quarter performance also comes against comparisons with a year earlier, when UK & Ireland sales plunged 14 per cent.

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Performance was helped by DSG's move to secure a 60-day exclusivity partnership with Apple after the UK launch of the iPad on May 28.

It also focused heavily on the World Cup, with promotions including a 10 cash back deal for every goal England scored when customers bought a TV for more than 599.

DSG said its UK & Ireland business took greater market share during the three months, despite competition from new market entrant Best Buy – the US consumer electronics giant that teamed up with Carphone Warehouse.