High-street electronics giant Currys has revealed a sharp rise in profitability, with demand for cutting-edge artificial intelligence products and new video game releases fuelling a significant sales uplift.
Financial Performance Defies Tough Market
The retailer announced a robust set of half-year results, showcasing resilience in a challenging economic climate. For the six months ending in November, group revenues reached £4.2 billion, representing a 4 per cent like-for-like increase compared to the same period last year.
More strikingly, adjusted pre-tax profits more than doubled, climbing to £22 million. This financial improvement was achieved despite what the company's chief executive, Alex Baldock, described as a "muted" consumer environment and "unhelpful" cost pressures across the UK and Ireland.
AI and Gaming Lead Computing Surge
The standout performer for Currys was its computing division. Sales were propelled by consumer excitement around new AI innovations and a slate of major video game launches. The retailer also noted a 12 per cent jump in sales of Windows laptops.
Beyond core computing, gaming accessories saw robust demand, alongside emerging technologies in the health and beauty sectors. The company's iD mobile network also expanded its market share, contributing to positive performance in mobile products.
However, not all categories grew. The retailer reported a dip in sales of consumer electronics like televisions and speakers. It attributed this decline to an unusually strong comparative period last year, which was boosted by the men's Euro 2024 football tournament.
Cost Pressures and Nordic Recovery
Mr Baldock cautioned that profits in the UK were being impacted by rising costs, including increases to the national minimum wage and employer national insurance contributions stemming from last autumn's budget. He stated that savings initiatives across the business were not yet fully offsetting these headwinds.
In more positive news, the company's previously struggling Nordics operation showed clear signs of a turnaround. The region, which boasts over 400 owned and franchised stores, saw revenues increase by 4 per cent on a like-for-like basis, with earnings also growing.
The market responded positively to the results, with shares in Currys jumping by about 10 per cent in early trading on Thursday, 18 December 2025.
