World Cup host Canada drives 'supersize' TV sales surge at Currys, retailer says
The electronics chain reports a 221% jump in 90-inch-plus TV sales as the tournament kicks off across North America.
The World Cup being hosted across Canada, the United States and Mexico is fuelling a rush for giant televisions and home beer pumps at British electronics chain Currys.
The retailer said it has benefited from the football tournament and warm weather.
Britons have snapped up "supersize" TVs, beer pumps and BBQs as World Cup fever continued to boost the high street, the boss of Currys has said.
The electronics retailer said it has benefited from the tournament, currently taking place in the US, Mexico and Canada, as well as warm weather conditions in the UK.
Canadian retailers are likely seeing similar demand as fans gather to watch matches on home soil.
Currys boss Alex Baldock said: "We've seen shoppers supersizing their TVs for the World Cup, with strong sales of TVs of 90in and over.
"Current trading has been very pleasing, and the World Cup has been good for sales of TVs, beer pumps, BBQs and hot tubs."
Currys said sales of TVs of 90in and more are up 221% compared with during Euro 2024 amid a recent trend towards even larger TVs.
It added that sales of PerfectDraft home beer pumps are up 27% as customers sought to bring the pub experience to their homes while watching matches.
The tournament's North American location means time zones align with European evenings, boosting viewership and related purchases.
It came as Currys revealed stronger sales despite a "subdued consumer backdrop", amid a boost from demand for AI technology.
Hot tub sales have also been boosted. Departing boss Mr Baldock said the group's performance is continuing "to strengthen", shrugging off wider concerns about pressure on shopper finances.
Currys told shareholders that adjusted pre-tax profits lifted by 18% to £191 million for the year to May 2, compared with a year earlier.
The profit rise came after group revenues increased 6% to £9.25 billion for the year, with growth in both the UK and Nordics regions.
It said computing was particularly strong, as it benefited from AI technology sales and gaming launches such as the Nintendo Switch 2.
The company said every category grew apart from consumer electronics, where it was knocked by "soft" demand for TVs.
Currys added that trading has been "very solid" in the two months since the end of its financial year.
Mr Baldock said: "Currys is trending in the right direction on every dimension that matters.
"The outside world remains uncertain, and we are not counting on it to do us any favours. Still, there is much more in the tank here.
"In Fredrik, the business has an outstanding leader to continue and accelerate this progress."