Electricals retailers are enjoying a surprise new year sales surge as consumers continue to clamour for January Sales bargains.

During the first two weeks of 2009, sales of consumer technology by value climbed 13.4 per cent and 7.7 per cent respectively year on year, according to figures from market researcher GfK.

Volume sales jumped 14.3 per cent and 4.1 per cent in thesameperiod.Inboth weeks of the new year, flatpanel TVs and desk computers led the growth in value and volume terms.

GfK commercial director James Randall said: “After six months of decline across the electricals market, the January Sales have sparked three weeks of growth year on year.”

Earlier this month market leaders DSGi and Kesa both reported that Christmas had come late but the Sale period had begun strongly.

However, like both retailers, GfK warned that the sales boom is expected to be short-lived.

“While three weeks are a trend, sadly this ray of sunshine might not mark the end of the downturn,” said Randall.

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