Currys owner DSG sees rain boost TV sales

Currys and PC World owner DSG International said today that persistent summer downpours had helped boost sales of flat screen TVs and laptops.

Like-for-like sales rose by 6% during the 16 weeks to August 18 – ahead of analysts’ expectations of 4% – despite tough comparatives with last year driven by the World Cup.

Chief executive John Clare said he was “particularly pleased” with the performance of electricals in after sales were “boosted by the poor weather conditions, possibly bringing forward consumer spending”.

But the company, which also owns PC World, warned it remained cautious about the outlook for consumer spending for the rest of the year after recent interest rate hikes.

In June, the company announced it planned to have 30 Currys stores in Ireland in the medium term.