DSG sees sales slide at PC World

Currys owner DSG International revealed more trading gloom today as its PC World chain was hit by a sharp fall in sales to business customers.

PC World’s like-for-like sales tumbled 15% in the 16 weeks to August 22 with “significantly lower” sales to businesses as a result of the recession.

Like-for-like sales of UK electrical goods also slid 14% as DSG, which operates 30 stores in Ireland, struggled against tough comparisons with a year ago when TV prices were slashed.

But a stronger international performance helped limit like-for-like sales declines at the overall group to 6% – improving on the 9% slide seen over the previous year.

Chief executive John Browett said: “Given the challenging environment, this is an encouraging start to the year.”