Sales at Dixon's and PC World in Ireland and Britain came close to £2 billion during the first six months of its financial year.
DSG International, which owns the Dixon's, Curry's and PC World electrical retail chains, reported that sales grew 5 per cent to £1.9 billion in the 24 weeks to October 13th in Ireland and Britain. Operating profit was £14.1 million, the group added.
The group does not break out sales for DSG Ireland, its subsidiary in this State. It said that sales here were up 21 per cent, driven by the opening of seven new stores this year.
However, stripping out the contribution of new stores, like-for-like sales were down 3 per cent DSG said. The group operates a total of 29 stores under the three brands around the Republic. DSG Ireland's managing director Declan Ronayne said yesterday that the performance indicated the Irish economy was growing in line with other European countries. He added that DSG's expansion plans were on track. It opens its 10th Curry's store in Dublin tomorrow.
During the 24-week period, it opened its first Curry's franchise store, in Letterkenny, Co Donegal.
DSG Ireland is part of DSG International, which has operations in 28 European countries and employs 40,000 people. The group's is headquarters is in Britain, but it says sales outside that jurisdiction account for 42 per cent of the total.
Overall, the group reported yesterday that sales were up 8 per cent at £3.4 billion for the 24 weeks ended October. However, pre-tax profits dropped 25 per cent to £52.4 million from £70.3 million over the same period last year.
