Best Buy aims to shine in UK

US electricals giant Best Buy could light up Piccadilly, Oxford Street or another major central London shopping location when it makes its big entry into the UK.

The arrival of Best Buy has been long-awaited by British shoppers but will not be welcomed by struggling electricals group DSGi, the former Dixons group that now trades on the High Street as Currys.digital.

Best Buy, which has also heralded its entry into the UK market with a £1.1 billion injection into Carphone Warehouse to take a 50% stake in the mobile phone retailer's estate of shops, has announced it is to open stores at retail parks in Slough, Staines, Enfield and Thurrock.

Best Buy added that it is considering a flagship store in central London, with Piccadilly Circus likely to be favourite.

Best Buy is launching into the worst retail downturn since 1992. One analyst said: "You wouldn't expect a London flagship to be hugely profitable, but it would raise the brand's profile."