Europe's biggest electricals retailer DSG International said day that slower trading in Italy and France over Christmas had taken the shine off strong sales in the UK and Ireland, Scandinavia, and other parts of Europe.
DSG, whose chains include Currys and PC World in Britain, said group like-for-like sales rose 3 per cent in the 8 weeks to January 6th, with sales in the 28 weeks to November 11th up 14 per cent to £3.7 billion.
The firm had already flagged in November that a "very disappointing" performance at its Italian UniEuro chain would dent first half profits. UniEuro brings in around 10 per cent of sales.