Electricals group Dixons Retail, owner of the Currys and PC World chains, has reported a good start to the year helped by the World Cup and demand for iPads.

The retailer posted a like-for-like sales rise of 6% at its core UK business in the 12 weeks to July 24, when group like-for-likes climbed 3%. Total sales rose 2% and 3% respectively.

Dixons reported strong demand for TVs in the run-up to the World Cup and enjoyed near-exclusivity among electricals groups on iPads following the innovative tablet computer’s launch.

Dixons chief executive John Browett warned that trading conditions remain uncertain. He said: “We remain cautious about the economic outlook but we will continue to deliver on our renewal and transformation plan to make the business better, easier and cheaper to run and deliver unbeatable value, choice and service for customers.”

During the quarter Dixons forged a partnership with Phones4U, which will open 50 mobile phone-shop-in-shops in times for Christmas.

The retailer reported that trading at its Italian and Scandinavian shops was “in line with expectations” but Greece remains more difficult.

The business will formally adopt the Dixons Retail name at its AGM next week, which is expected to approve the change from DSGi.

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