The shops themselves were never the problem

The problem with the DSGi shops has always been that they target people who don't really know what they need, never mind what they should be buying, and thus have them staffed with people who don't know much (if anything) about what they're selling. It's compounded by their nonsensical warranty gubbins.

There will always be a market for a brick & mortar electronics store with up-to-date products in stock and knowledgeable staff - how much profit can be made from such a store, and how viable it is as an international chain, is another question entirely. (Compare Richer Sounds to Dixons and you'll see what I mean).

Advertising

Yeah, but how much did they blow on advertising?

IIRC they opened and closed each ad break on all the major commercial channels over Xmas.

"I know what my xxxxx wants this Christmas". Yeah, a fricking slap and told to stop being so materialistic.

Great News..

Fantastic news.

Great News ???

Quote "...The company expects the year ahead to be tough, especially in the UK, but has high hopes that its shop upgrading scheme will continue to boost sales. "

'Upgrading' the shops will do nothing to increase their profit margins - get some staff who know what they are talking about and have a genuine interest in their job and their customers. Then maybe they can improve their dreadful reputation.

Oh! silly me - it costs money to employ intelligent knowledgable people, so down go the profits again - or am I just being a tad cynical??