Electrical retailer Dixons said continued strong performances by its Currys and PC World chains left it well placed for a year of progress.

The group said the chains helped increase like-for-like sales in the UK by seven per cent in the 18 weeks to September 4, although international sales were flat.

Dixons-branded stores, which are facing large-scale closures due to disappointing sales, also showed "encouraging signs" of recovery.

Earlier this year Dixons announced the closure of 106 unprofitable stores.

Flat-screen TVs, PCs and laptops were among the top performers across the group, while back-to-school products also sold well.

Thursday September 09, 2004