www.dixons.co.uk Right: Rob Freeman, deputy manager, helps a customer choose a television from the huge range at Dixons, Watford.

Dixons sales were £816 million (£832 million), down 2 per cent in total. Like for like sales were down 1 per cent. This reflected the temporary closure of almost 100 stores for refit, the significant reduction in customer traffic at airport stores post September 11 and the decline in the PC and mobile phone markets. Sales of games products, digital cameras and accessories performed well.

We have completed our most recent service and format refurbishments in 174 stores. Improved merchandising and clearer, consumer friendly sales literature have made the stores easier to shop. These initiatives have continued to improve gross margins.

Far left: Choosing a game from the week’s top ten. Centre left: Andrew Sorkin, sales adviser, outlines the benefits of a service agreement. Left: Dixon's Price Promise