Online sales have surged at electricals retailer Dixons Carphone as consumers scramble to adapt to growing restrictions on movement and social engagement.
The group, which trades as Carphone Warehouse and Currys PC World, said it had experienced "very good sales of equipment for home working (laptops, printers), for home entertainment (TVs, gaming) and for home living (fridges, freezers, kitchen appliances)".
Online sales in Britain and Ireland were 72 per cent up year on year in the three weeks to March 21st, compared to a 13 per cent rise in group sales overall in the same period, and single figure online growth in previous weeks.
“Early signs are that this strong trading has continued since stores closed and will help to compensate for lost store sales,” the company said.
The strong growth in online sales across all markets came as the company warned on Thursday that it would not meet its previous guidance for 2019-20 profit and debt, blaming the coronavirus pandemic that has forced the closure of stores. since Tuesday.
It said it will not update current year or medium-term guidance until the impact of Covid-19 becomes clearer.
The company has 82 Carphone Warehouse stores and 16 Currys PC World shops across Ireland and employs 1,100 people here. –Additional reporting: Reuters
