DSGi group chief executive John Browett was poised to reveal that annual online sales at the retailer had passed £1 billion for the first time in his eagerly anticipated strategic review.

Exceeding the£1 billion figure – generated by DSGi’s combined bricks-and-clicks operations – will give the struggling electricals group a lift after issuing two profit warnings this year.

At present, online sales account for about 12 per cent of total sales, but the electricals group is thought to believe this figure will increase to 30 per cent eventually.

DSGi is understood to be forecasting that its online sales will increase at about 20 per cent a year to help it reach the target.

Browett was expected to reveal initiatives for strengthening its profitable multichannel business, including exploiting the technology behind its pure-play e-tailer Pixmania further.

Browett was expected to confirm that he will cut 400 head office jobs in an effort to reshape the business for recovery.

It is believed that between 20 and 25 per cent of the 1,700 staff at DSGi’s head office – which the store group calls its “retail support centre” – will be culled.

DSGi declined to comment ahead of the strategic review.

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