Dixons (UK)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- This article is about Dixons, the UK electrical retailer. For the parent company, formerly known as Dixons Group plc, see DSG International plc.
| Dixons | |
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| Type | Part of DSG International plc |
| Founded | 27 October 1937 (as Dixon Studios Limited) |
| Headquarters |  Dixons HouseMaylands Ave. Hemel Hempstead Herts England HP2 7TG |
| Key people | Per Bjørgås (Group Managing Director, UK and International Electricals Division since January 2006), Sir John Collins (Group Chairman since September 2002), |
| Industry | Retail |
| Products | White goods, Telecommunications, Information technology |
| Revenue | n/a (see DSG International plc for group revenue.) |
| Employees | 4,169 (2005) |
| Website | http://www.dixons.co.uk/ |
Dixons is an electrical retailer in the UK and Republic of Ireland, and is owned by DSG International plc (formerly Dixons Group). With its origins in a photographic shop opened by Charles Kalms, the chain had a store in most towns and cities across the UK and Ireland. On April 5, 2006, Dixons announced that they were removing the brand from the high street (except in Ireland) and would only be using the Currys brand, branded as Currys.digital. The Dixons stores in The Netherlands had been sold off years before the rebrand and also still carry the Dixons brand.
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[edit] Origins
The first Dixons was opened by Charles Kalms in Southend as a photographic studio in 1937. The business flourished during the Second World War, as there was much demand for photographic services and family portraits. By the end of the war Kalms had opened seven more studios in the London area. Unfortunately for Kalms, the demands for portrait services decreased considerably after the war, and he was forced to close all but one studio in Edgware, north London. The company was taken over by his son Stanley Kalms, who was chairman until recently, and remains president for life.
[edit] Reputation
For full discussion, see Currys.digital
On April 5, 2006, Dixons announced that they were removing the brand from the UK high street and would only be using the Currys brand, branded as Currys.digital. This was said to signal a shift to more internet based selling and to "reduce confusion". Dixons stores would be retained in Ireland, and other locations such as airports, whilst also retaining its website. Dixons has also been working with the affiliate network Tradedoubler and has seen an up lift in online sales of around 50% since being online.
[edit] See also
- Dixons Netherlands
- DSG International (Formerly known as Dixons Retail Group)
[edit] External links
- Dixons official site
- Details about Dixons UK
- Digital Cameras
- Television Equipment (CRT, LCD, Plasma, Rear Projection)
- Home Appliance (Cookers, Fridges, Dishwashers, Washing Machines)
- Digital Camcorders
- CDs, DVDs, Video Games and Books
- Storage Media
- BBC News release about Dixons High Street departure
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