Dixons Carphone saw like-for-like sales in its core electricals unit grow 11% over the 10 weeks to 9 January as locked-down European consumers ordered big-screen TVs, food preparation appliances, health & beauty gadgets, and computer & gaming products.
Despite its stores being closed during lockdowns, like-for-like sales in its UK & Ireland division climbed 8%. This was driven by online sales which surged up 121%.
International like-for-likes rose by 14% following strong sales growth of 19% in the company’s Nordic operation. However, sales in Greece declined by 13% after trading was impacted by a national lockdown.
Alex Baldock, Dixons Carphone’s Chief Executive, said: “We’re winning online, where we’re the biggest and fastest-growing specialist technology retailer in all our markets. And even where stores have been closed, our work to bring the best of digital and physical shopping to every customer has borne fruit in such innovations as our one-hour drive-thru Order & Collect and ShopLive.”
Looking ahead, the company said it expects to deliver full-year profits in line with market expectations despite Covid-19 restrictions currently impacting its operations across the UK, Ireland and Denmark.
Baldock concluded: “The outlook remains uncertain, and we’re still far from our full potential. But this strong performance makes us more confident than ever that we’re on the right path to create a world class business for colleagues, customers, shareholders and society.”
Meanwhile, Dixons Carphone announced the appointment of Bruce Marsh as its new Group Chief Financial Officer with effect from 12 July.
He will replace Jonny Mason who will remain in his existing role to support the company through the current financial year and “ensure a seamless and orderly transition”. His actual departure date has yet to be confirmed.
Marsh has been working as Tesco’s Finance Director for the UK and Ireland since 2015. Before that, he worked at Kingfisher where he was Managing Director of Kingfisher Future Homes and Group Strategy Director. He also previously held a number of senior finance roles at Dixons Retail.
Baldock commented: “I am delighted to welcome Bruce back home to Dixons Carphone. He brings a strong track record over many years in retail, and in the successful delivery of large complex business transformations in rapidly changing environments.
“He has extensive experience leading high-quality Finance teams, maintaining robust financial controls and improving planning and performance. Bruce has played a pivotal role in Tesco’s revitalisation. I look forward to working with him as we continue Dixons Carphone’s transformation to a world-class business.”
