Joy of Christmas

DIXONS stores were winners at Christmas, thanks to soaring sales of iPods and other hi-tech gifts.

Sales jumped eight per cent in the eight weeks to January 7. “This was very much a digital Christmas,” said boss John Clare.

“At peak times, we sold an MP3 player every three seconds. Games consoles, laptops, satnav systems and flat-screen TVs were all big winners.”

But the Christmas pick-up followed a torrid time for DSG International, which includes Currys, PC World and The Link.

Group operating profits plunged £20 million – 24 per cent – in the six months prior to the Christmas rush.

The Link suffered a 28 per cent drop in sales after losing the battle to sign up new mobile users on contracts. PC World saw an eight per cent slump. Currys sales slipped three.

Clare admitted concern about future trading as shoppers struggle to cope with rising tax and power bills.

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