The Link loses ground as Europe pushes ahead
Dixons' eponymous store chain increased like-for-like sales marginally in the 16 weeks to August 20, but the results across the group were hit by the disastrous performance of The Link. Group sales rose 4 per cent, with like-for-likes down 3 per cent.

Dixons like-for-like sales are up 1 per cent against total sales down 8 per cent, reflecting the retailer's closure of underperforming stores.

Currys like-for-likes fell 4 per cent, PC World dropped 7 per cent and The Link's like-for-like sales plummeted 28 per cent against a total sales fall of 20 per cent as it continued to lose market share.

Like-for-like sales overseas trading increased 5 per cent overall.

Like-for-like sales rose 7 per cent at Elkjop in Scandinavia, UniEuro in Italy stayed flat, Kotsovolos in Greece rose 8 per cent and Ireland increased 13 per cent.

For its key European operations, PC City in France and Spain increased total sales by 33 per cent. No comparables are available.

The company said margins across the group held firm, which brought cheer to analysts in early trading comments.

'We are pleased with the progress of our international operations, while we remain cautious about prospects in the UK, where we have experienced the slowdown in consumer expenditure,' said group chief executive John Clare. 'We will focus on driving sales growth as we approach our peak season but we will underpin this with careful margin and cost management.'

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