Dixons Carphone re-issues festive trading update after error

The electricals giant said this morning that group revenue had risen 2% on a reported currency basis during the 10 weeks to January 4.

But it admitted this afternoon that sales actually dropped 2% over its peak trading period.

Dixons said all other figures issued in its update this morning, including like-for-like sales across its core UK and Ireland and international businesses, were correct.

Sales of electricals advanced 2% on a like-for-like basis across the group and were up by the same percentage in its core UK and Ireland market.

Dixons Carphone said electricals sales rose 3% on a like-for-like basis in its international markets, including a 6% uplift in Greece.

However, that progress was offset by a slump in mobile phone sales, which fell 9% in like-for-like terms in the UK and Ireland.

Dixons Carphone boss Alex Baldock hailed a “good peak in a weak UK market” and insisted it was “on track” to meet full-year expectations and achieve its transformation targets.

The business is focusing on refurbishing its stores, growing its online business, improving its set-up and protection services proposition and expanding its credit services as Baldock seeks to revive its fortunes.