Kesa Electronics Q3 sales were driven by the popularity of multimedia and flat-screen televisions.

Europe’s third largest electrical retailing group Kesa Electricals said it has experienced a slowdown in the white goods market, despite recording an 11.3% increase in revenues for the three months ending 31 October.

Sales were led by the continued strong demand for new technologies, particularly multimedia during the back to school period and flat screen televisions, the group said – adding that the slowdown in the white goods market began towards the end of the period.

Revenues at its UK electrical goods retailer Comet were flat, down 0.2% on a like-for-like basis, however were up 3.3% overall. Across the Channel, sales growth was stronger, with French brands Darty and BUT recording a 7.1% increase and 8.4% respectively.

Chief Executive Jean-Noel Labroue commented on the results: “This was a solid third quarter performance. Against the high comparatives of last year, all our businesses delivered revenue growth… Overall, the small negative mix effect on margin observed at the end of the first half continued throughout this quarter.

Looking forward, he added: “The consumer environment for our forthcoming peak trading period is uncertain but we are well prepared and focussed on operational efficiencies and margin, cost and cash management.”

By Natasha Piscitelli