UK retaining giant, Dixons, which is the owner of PC World and Currys, has recorded an increase of 3 per cent in like-for-like sales during the 24 weeks to October 13.

Group sales were recorded at 3.29 billion pounds during the period. The UK and Ireland division is likely to post a profit for the first time in five years. The group said that its market position in the UK is strengthening after its rival, Comet collapsed and went under administrators earlier during the month.

The retailer recorded a loss before tax of £22.2million, which was better than an interim loss of £25.3 million recorded in the previous year. Dixons said that its half year sales fell to £3,285.5 million compared to £3,291.7 recorded in the same period of the previous year.

UK & Ireland saw sales rise 2% on a constant currency (CC) basis to £1,592.6 million compared to £1,566.1 million in the previous year. The company's home market returned to profitability with an underlying profit of £5.6 million. Northern Europe's sales surged 13 per cent and profits increased to £40.4 million from £38.0 million. On the other hand, Southern Europe's sales fell 5 per cent but the loss narrowed from £15.6 million from the previous year to £13.0 million.