Dixons sees tough trading continue

The owner of the Dixons and Currys electrical chains warned trading remained in the doldrums today as it prepared for the key Christmas season.

DSG International, which is the new name for the Dixons retail group, said conditions in the UK remained “difficult”, with like-for-like sales at Dixons down by 2% and 3% lower at Currys in the 28 weeks to November 12.

Chief executive John Clare said: “There has been no further significant deterioration in our overall trading in the UK during the period, but equally, no clear indication yet of any recovery in our markets.”

DSG also owns PC World, which showed an 8% drop in same-store sales, while The Link mobile phone retail operation continued to struggle with a 28% decline.

The company said a new management team at The Link were “fully focused” on turning round the business over the key Christmas season.