Client Announcements

DSG international plc Summer news round-up, 2007

DSG international plc Summer news round-up, 2007
Corporate news

DSG international issued a trading statement covering the 16 weeks ending 18 August 2007. Total Group sales were up 11% and total Group like for like sales were up 6%. Further detail can be found at www.dsgiplc.com.

30 July 2007: DSG international plc announces start-date for new CEO
DSG international plc today confirms that the new Group Chief Executive, John Browett, will join the Company on 5 December 2007. As previously announced, John Clare will retire as Group Chief Executive at the AGM on 5 September. During the intervening period Sir John Collins, Group Chairman, will assume additional responsibilities as acting Group Chief Executive.

12 June 2007: DSG international plc expands range of own brand and licensed products
DSG international plc is ramping up its own brand range of products in the lead up to Christmas 2007 in anticipation of the Group’s biggest year ever for own brand product sales. DSGi has traded own branded products for more than forty years, and now provides its largest ever range of own brands through its 1200 stores and e-tail operations in 27 countries across Europe. The range, which now accounts for 6% of the total DSGi retail range, extends from printer cartridges and cables to 1080p LCD televisions and next generation audio systems.

DSG international announced the opening of Europe’s largest electrical distribution centre in Newark, Nottinghamshire
The new 100-acre distribution centre in Newark allows Currys to save approximately 600 tonnes of CO2 throughout the year. In areas such as lighting, heating and cooling we have used only the latest low-energy technology and maximised the use of natural light. Newark DC will also be the central collection point for recyclable packaging, batteries and end-of-life products for the group. We have also introduced 40 double-decker trailers with an increased payload, which in turn significantly reduces the number of miles travelled by our vehicles. This equates to a reduction of 2.6 million miles travelled annually and reduces diesel usage by nearly one million litres a year. We are now also undertaking alternative fuel trials.

Retail news

30 August, 2007: Currys.digital to offer new digital photo storage and processing services
Currys, the UK’s leading electrical retailer, today announces the launch of its new MYPIX-service, a market-leading digital photo storage and processing service. The MYPIX photo service will offer an instant and cost-effective digital printing service via stand-alone booths, across 170 Currys.digital stores. The service will also be available online at www.currys.co.uk/mypix, where customers will be able to access unlimited picture storage for free and print direct to their homes from just 3p per photo.

28 August: DSG international secures four prime retail sites at new Heathrow Terminal 5 – Europe’s busiest thoroughfare for international travellers
There will be three Dixons Tax Free store and the first PC World Airport store at the new T5 terminal. Andrew Milliken, MD DSGi Airport Retail said: “T5 will house the largest concentration of passengers in Europe – all under one roof. This provides us with a unique opportunity to make a significant step forward in our customer proposition and to segment our store offering to better serve the specific passenger needs in this single airline terminal.” The ‘flagship’ Dixons Tax Free store in the main terminal will offer a full range of the latest technology products and services in a spacious and fresh environment with more ‘theatre’ allowing customers to interact and engage with all the products. A new dedicated fast-track accessories store is for passengers short of time or making a last-minute purchase. A Dixons Tax Free store in the satellite terminal is tailored to meet the specific needs of passengers flying to long haul destinations. The first PC World airport store will offer greater depth in computing and business-orientated products and provide technical support to with the introduction of The TechGuys.

24 August, 2007: PILOT SUCCESS – CURRYS TO ROLL OUT MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS ZONES ACROSS THE UK – Successful trial leads to roll-out to some 550 UK stores
Currys, the UK’s leading specialist electrical retailer, has successfully completed the piloting of a large-scale in-store communications zone. The new zone will deliver integrated communications services for customers, both in the home and on the move. A wide new range of mobile phones and network tariffs, together with existing ranges of satellite navigation equipment, hand-held connected devices, laptops and a choice of home digital communications services form part of the offer.

21 August 2007: PC World launches Kids’ PC range
PC World, the UK’s leading chain of computing superstores, launched a new range of laptops specifically designed for – and by – kids. The new Advent K range of laptops is built to a sturdy, powerful and funky specification drawn from focus groups with school children. They feature interchangeable covers in a variety of colourful designs and a range of accessories. All come with the PC World Children’s Charter commitment to configuring the laptops for safety. An in-store TechGuy will set up the laptop in consultation with parents, free of charge at the point of purchase.

20 August 2007: PC World announces major national child safety initiative
PC World, the UK’s leading chain of computing superstores, will announce today that it will offer a mandatory child security set-up for all PCs and laptops that it sells as part of the retailer’s commitment to improving the online safety of the first truly digital generation. All parents buying computers will be offered the service free at the point of purchase. The service will restrict the amount of time that children can access the PC and will restrict their access to potentially harmful content online. Limits will be imposed in consultation with parents.

28 July 2007: Reaction from PC World to the launch of the BBC iPlayer
Reacting to the launch of the BBC iPlayer, Niall O’Keeffe, marketing director of PC World said: “The launch of the iPlayer is a major cultural and broadcasting shift and further evidence of the impending marriage of the TV and the PC. Already more than eight in 10 PCs that we sell come with a remote control, which reflects the increasingly common practice of connecting PCs to TVs. The BBC’s move into downloadable programming will accelerate the PC’s move from the spare room to the very heart of the digital home. The days of the beige box whirring in the study are well and truly over.” In the last 12 months, sales of entertainment PCs, configured to connect to televisions and other audio visual technology, have risen by 300% percent at PC World.

25 July: Currys stocks stand-by saver
Currys announced the launch of a new product that promises to cut average household energy consumption by up to ten per cent. The SMJ Energy Saving Plug Adaptor totally cuts the power to electrical products left on standby while still allowing them to be switched on and off using a remote control. It is the first product of its kind to launch in the UK. Currys estimates that more than half of all household electrical items now have standby buttons. Recent Government reports estimate that standby buttons waste up to 800,000 tonnes of carbon every year; enough to fill the new Wembley stadium 450 times. In addition to the environmental impact, the financial cost of standby buttons adds up to approximately £660million a year.

18 July 2007: PC World and Orange team up to offer free laptops for new broadband customers
PC World, the UK’s leading chain of computing superstores, is launching a groundbreaking deal for new broadband customers this week. Customers who sign up to a two-year broadband connection with Orange at PC World from this Thursday, will be given a new laptop worth over £300. Customers must sign up for the Orange broadband contract at one of over 150 PC World stores nationwide. Tens of thousands of laptops are being made available to support the promotion.

9 July 2007: PC World to launch the UK’s first “robot dealership”
PC World, the UK’s leading chain of computing superstores, announced that it will open its first store within a store devoted exclusively to the sale of robots. The decision to open Roboshops follows several years of intensive research and development in the field of robotics by leading global manufacturers. The PC World robot range will include a range of models to suit every budget.

6 July 2007: Dixons announces online wine sales as part of long-tail e-commerce strategy
The team at Dixons.co.uk are now offering customers the opportunity to pick up some of the finest wines in the world as they shop for gadgets. Dixons, long known for its state of the art gadgetry, will be adding another definition of complexity to its lexicon – the complex bouquet. Loyal customers shopping for MP3 players and HDTVs can now add a case or three of their favourite tipple by visiting the Dixons site. deVere Forster, general manager of Dixons.co.uk, said “Technology has transformed our leisure time in the last few decades and many of our customers like to relax with an occasional drop of wine. To us, offering complementary products to make the night in complete makes a lot of sense and is very convenient for our customers.”

18 June 2007: Currys and PC World implement UK’s first in-store take-back programmes for end-of-life electrical products
The service will be available, free of charge, to all customers taking home delivery and at Currys, Currys.digital and PC World stores nationwide from Thursday 28th June. Customers who are buying new products will be able to return their old ones to the store, even if the original product has not been bought from Currys or PC World. Alternatively, customers arranging home delivery of a new product can have their equivalent old product collected on delivery.

Services news

13 August 2007: The TechGuys to run trials of free national technical support service for laptops and PCs
The TechGuys, the UK’s leading national digital support service, will make a landmark contribution to the nation’s digital health from Tuesday 14th August with the launch of trials of the UK’s first free national technical support clinic for households.

22 July 2007: The TechGuys urge Britons to avoid £40 million power bill by switching off standby before holidays
A combination of potential power savings in the region of £40 million, unnecessary wear and tear on equipment and the risk of thunderstorm-related power surges have led the TechGuys to issue a Code Orange Tech Alert ahead of the start of the holiday season this weekend.

6 July 2007: TechGuys poll shows that “digital plumbing” is a more common household chore for dads than DIY and mowing the lawn
The 20th century stereotype of dads as lawn mowing, DIY enthusiasts is rapidly becoming a thing of the past. For the first time ever, “fixing” the home PC and attempting to remove viruses are now more common for dads than traditional requests to put up shelves or mow the lawn, according to research carried out for the TechGuys, the UK’s national digital support service for UK homes.

Ireland

24 August 07 – DSG international plc Group Chief Executive officially opens the first Currys franchise in Ireland – Growing network of superstores to be complemented by franchise openings.
DSG international plc officially opened its first franchise store in the Republic of Ireland in Letterkenny, Co Donegal. Group Chief Executive, John Clare, CBE, performed the official opening with the staff of McEwen Electrical Ltd, who will continue to own and manage the store, and Declan Ronayne, Managing Director of DSG Retail Ireland Ltd, which trades as Currys, Dixons and PC World in Ireland.

23 August – New Offices Officially Opened For Ireland’s Largest Electrical Retailer
John Clare, CBE, Group Chief Executive, DSG international plc was in Dublin to officially open the new Retail Support Centre of Ireland’s leading electronic retailer. Trading as Dixons, Currys and PC World, DSG Retail Ireland Ltd has located its 35-strong marketing, customer service, human resources and accounts functions at the 8,000 sq ft purpose built unit in The Park retail campus in Carrickmines, Dublin.

Greece

30 May 07 – Future growth strategy for DSG international in Greece
DSG international announced its future growth plans for Greece:
• Multi brand and multi channel strategy that will strengthen Kotsovolos’ position as the no 1 electrical retailer in Greece.
• On-going expansion of the Group though the opening of new Kotsovolos Mega stores and Kotsovolos franchise stores across Greece as well as the acceleration of the refit programme at the existing stores. The final stage of transitioning from Radio Athinai into Kotsovolos.
• The launch of Electroworld.
• The launch of the two new web sites for Kotsovolos and Electroworld, which feature the exclusive “collect @ store” service.

11 June 2007: Kotsovolos continues its dynamic expansion across Greece Opening for the 7th franchise store in Lefkada
The new store of approximately 300 square meters opened its doors on Thursday, June 7th. The opening was accompanied by two days of promotional offers.

Spain

17 July 2007: PC City Sponsors the Modding Area at the 11th Campus Party In Valencia
From 23 to 29 June, PC City was a sponsor of Campus Party in Valencia, the biggest electronic entertainment networking event of the world. More than 6,000 people attended the Valencia Trade Fair in this 11th edition. The big event started with the “Video Games Live” show, a combination of light and music on the theme of video games. Music was performed by a symphony orchestra, and the event was held at the City of Arts and Sciences of Valencia.

Group Awards

DSG international shortlisted for Environmentally Friendly Retailer of the Year in the People in Retail Awards (announced Oct)

Margaret Bridgwood of Currys shortlisted for Frontline Customer Service Person of the Year in the People in Retail Awards (announced Oct)

The TechGuys is a regional winner, and national finalist in the National Business Awards for Business Innovation of the Year (announced Nov)

PR Team Awards

Won the CIPR Excellence Award for Best Use of New Media in the launch of The TechGuys

Shortlisted in the PR Week Awards for Best Technology Campaign and Best Use of New Media in the launch of the TechGuys (announced Oct)

Shortlisted in the CIPR Pride Award for In-house Team of the Year, Best Use of New Media, and Internal Communications Campaign of the Year (announced Nov)

previous:
next:

Newsroom