The UK's harsh retail climate means European expansion makes sense

To offset weakness on the UK's High Street, Dixons plans to grow the number of PC City outlets in France to about 100 from seven at present.

It also plans to open two new stores in Poland and one in Portugal.

International operations now account for more than a quarter of the retail group's turnover.

Dixons operates more than 1,400 outlets in 13 countries and, according to chief executive John Clare, is now Europe's largest specialist electrical retailer.

The Dixons Group is a truly international operation John Clare, chief executive See Dixons share price

Upping the pace

Recent acquisitions have given Dixons a presence in countries such as Italy, Greece and Russia, where it recently took an option to buy Ukrainian retailer Eldorado Group.

"We have plans for further growth in all the countries where we now have a presence," said Mr Clare.

PC City currently trades in France, Spain, Italy and Sweden.

Its newer store format, Electro World, has outlets in Hungary and the Czech Republic, and two stores will open in Poland by the end of this year.

The group said it plans to fast-track the French expansion, with the aim of opening 20 new French PC City stores "as soon as possible".

PC City currently employs 300 people in France. The expansion programme will see it employ a total workforce of 3,500.

"The Dixons Group is a truly international operation," said Mr Clare.

The retailer has suffered along with other leading High Street names from slowing consumer spending in the UK as interest rate rises, concerns about pensions and a cooling housing market keep shoppers away.