Dixons Carphone sees online sales soar, but says customers still want bricks and mortar stores

Dixons Carphone has said online sales of electrical goods more than doubled to £1.8 billion during the coronavirus crisis, but the retailer’s chief executive insisted physical stores are still vital.

The electricals retailer, which trades as Currys PC World in the UK and Ireland, has seen high demand this year for everything from laptops to games consoles and fridges, as customers sought to work and keep in contact with people from home during lockdowns.

The FTSE 250 group recorded electrical online sales growth of 114% in the six months to October 31.

Total electrical comparable sales, across digital and shops, jumped 17%, despite branches having to close for months due to lockdowns.

The firm, which was created through a £3.6 billion merger between Dixons Retail and Carphone Warehouse in 2014, recorded a adjusted pre-tax profit of £89 million compared to £2 million a year earlier.