Dixons reports surge in laptop and TV sales ahead of lockdown

Dixons Carphone has revealed a surge in electrical sales as Britons raced to buy laptops and televisions ahead of the coronavirus lockdown.

Retail giant Dixons Carphone owns the Currys and PC World brands.

The group said UK and Ireland like-for-like electrical sales were 35 per cent higher in the three weeks to 21 March, including a 72 per cent jump in online trade.

It saw surging sales of equipment for home working, such as laptops and printers, as well as TVs and gaming consoles, while fridges, freezers and kitchen appliances were also in high demand.

The group posted a 10 per cent hike in overall UK and Ireland electrical sales over the 11 weeks to 21 March, with total sales up 4 per cent including its international arm and struggling mobile business.

While all its stores have been closed since 24 March, the firm said it has been seeing “very strong” online trading. Despite that, annual profits will miss forecasts.

It added that it has been taking “additional steps” to protect its workers amid the Covid-19 crisis.