Demand for TVs, thanks to World Cup football, and iPads boosted total like-for-like sales at DSG international by three per cent in the 12 weeks to July 24.

According to its first-quarter trading statement, the parent company of Currys, PC World and Dixons performed even better in its core UK and Irish markets notching up like-for-like sales that were six per cent ahead of the same period a year earlier.

Group chief executive John Browett called it an encouraging start to the financial year for the group that will shortly change its name to Dixons Retail.

“Our UK businesses performed particularly well, most notably with customers responding to our strong World Cup promotion and the excellent product ranges on offer,” he said.

However, he admitted the group remained cautious about the economic outlook.