Shopper interest in digital cameras and flat TVs still robust
Demand for new consumer technologies lifted third-quarter sales for Comet parent Kesa Electricals, despite the poor autumn weather.Turnover for the group in the three months to October 31 rose 2.8 per cent to£949.7 million. Comet's overall turnover was buoyed by a sales rise of 5.2 per cent, to£361 million. Like-for-like sales for the UK retail arm grew 3.3 per cent during the period. However, retailer was hampered by a consumer spending slowdown through the latter half of the period.

French electricals brand Darty sales were level at£366.8 million, compared with£367.6 million a year ago, a dip of only 0.2 per cent. The retailer pointed out that like-for-like sales had risen 1.1 per cent, against a background of less favourable weather than last year and slower back-to-school trading.

Kesa chief executive Jean-Noel Labroue said: 'Given the strength of last year's comparatives, the group's sales were solid, particularly in the newer technologies such as digital cameras, flatscreen TVs and multi-media. Although the important peak trading period of December and January is still ahead of us, we remain confident that, overall, the group is well placed to deliver satisfactory results at the year end.'

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