In the core UK and Ireland electricals, there was a 2 per cent rise in sales and 1 per cent like-for-like growth.
UK computing sales, comprising PC World, PC World Business, Genesis Communications and The Tech Guys, increased 6 per cent. Like-for-likes at PC World rose 5 per cent.
DSGi group chief executive John Clare said: 'In the UK, sales of TVs and laptops were strong throughout the period. PC World delivered a good sales performance and is well-positioned for the launch of Windows Vista at the end of this month.'
However, Clare added that in the early pre-Christmas period, Currys' sales were disappointing. The retailer benefited from the late Christmas rush, with a strong start to winter Sales. For the three weeks to January 13, Currys' like-for-likes were up 8 per cent. International sales were up 33 per cent, with like-for-likes also increasing 3 per cent.
Online sales now account for 10 per cent of group turnover. There was a strong performance from both the pure-play and multichannel retail web sites. Sales performance at Dixons.co.uk exceeded company expectations.
Clare said: 'We expect to be able to deliver good progress in most of our major businesses this year. However, progress on last year's underlying profit before tax will be offset by the very disappointing year in Italy.'
Separately, the group has revealed it will create up to 1,600 jobs this year across Europe, with the majority in stores throughout Europe and in the group's TechGuys national digital support service in the UK. Two-thirds of the jobs will be created in the group's international division, which now spans 27 European countries.
DSGi also announced the following additions to its Group Executive Committee:
Fotovista chief executive officer Steve Rosenblum - who has been appointed divisional director of the e-commerce division.
Elkjøp Group managing director Ronny Blomseth. Blomseth landed his role at Elkjøp Nordic in January 2004.
DSGi managing director of UK and Ireland Electricals Peter Keenan. Keenan joined the group in 1996 and was promoted to his present position in 2005, having previously held the role of Currys assistant managing director.
PC World Stores Group managing director Keith Jones. Jones assumed his present title in April 2005, having been PC City Europe managing director since January 2003.
DSGi Group chief information officer John Thorp. Thorp arrived at DSGi in May 2006. Prior to joining the group, he was easyJet IT director.
Clare said: 'These appointments represent a significant strengthening of the Group Executive Committee and reflect our strategic agenda, with the emphasis on common operating processes across our international retail and e-commerce operations.'
Interim results to follow.
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