Strong demand for laptops and flat screen TVs helped electricals chain Comet deliver a slender sales rise today but its parent warned of "difficult" trading ahead.
The chain, which is part of European retail group Kesa Electricals, achieved a 0.4% improvement in like-for-like sales in the year to January 31.
This compares to like for like sales growth of 0.9% for the first six months. The group said sales of large white goods such as fridges and freezers were weaker during the second half amid a spending slowdown.
Kesa chief executive Jean-Noel Labroue said the group had delivered "excellent" sales growth but warned: "As consumer confidence declines, we are anticipating difficult trading conditions ahead."
The European-based company would be "more focused than ever" on maximising margins and cost control, he added.
Retail profits for Comet dipped 4.1% to £44.2 million for the year, with last year's figure including a one-off £3.5 million boost from a store sale. Total sales of £1.73 billion were up 3.3%
