DSG finds the going tough
International operations perform well whilst the UK struggles with “no clear indication yet of any recovery in our markets”
During the first half, total Group sales were +4% and like for like sales were down 3%. In UK retail total sales were down 4% and like for like sales were down 7%. In international retail total sales were +24% and like for like sales were +4%.
In the UK and Ireland electricals operations, total sales were down 2% and like for like sales were down 2%.John Clare, Chief Executive, said ‘The overall level of trading in the Group remains broadly unchanged from that previously reported at our AGM in September. Our international operations in aggregate continue to perform well with notable performances in our established businesses in the Nordic countries, Greece, Italy and Ireland. Trading conditions in the UK remain difficult. 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. Our priorities remain on margin, cost and capital management.
