French homewares chain dents Christmas sales
Kesa Electricals reaped the benefits of consumer interest in next-generation entertainment systems and digital devices this Christmas. Sales at Comet and Darty increased over the period from November 1 to January 8 by 2.1 and 7.2 per cent respectively, in like-for-like terms calculated in local currency. Group like-for-likes rose 3.9 per cent.

The uplift at French electricals chain Darty was mainly because of flatscreen TVs and laptops, which offset a small downturn in white goods and traditional analogue products. Comet's sales were weak up to the Christmas trading period but significantly improved, as shoppers flocked to buy multimedia and digital devices. Kesa said its UK electricals arm managed to maintain product margins in all key categories. The fly in Kesa's ointment is French homewares chain BUT, showing a like-for-like sales dip of 2.9 per cent.

Kesa chief executive Jean-Noel Labroue said: 'We continue to manage the impact of the resultant mix effect through ongoing margin management and cost control. We anticipate that, overall, the group will deliver results for the full year in line with current market expectations.'

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