UK tech retailers Dixons and Carphone Warehouse have merged to form a new chain imaginatively known as ‘Dixons Carphone’.
Clearly outgrowing the confines of a warehouse, the two brands currently have around 950 and 2,000 stores respectively with Dixons Retail Plc. running and expanding on the Currys chain since 1984 and Carphone Warehouse becoming the UK’s biggest mobile chain.
The team-up will see a massive rebranding and if our maths is any good it’ll bring a high street super-force of at least 2,950 stores across the nation in a £3.8-billion deal which has reportedly been in discussion since before February when the first suggestion of the partnership surfaced. It’s believed the emergence of Dixons Carphone will save both companies an estimated £80-million per year.
The merger echoes that of Currys and PC World back in 2009, and inevitably some staffing concerns will be raised. Dixons does not shy away from the subject and states that around 2% of its current employees will be affected. On the other hand a 4% rise in job opportunity is promised by Carphone Warehouse when the dual-brand re-launches.
Dixons executive Sebastian James comments in a statement on the merger and a dedication to the preservation of all existing product ranges we rely on –
“The ability to take what we have built in electrical retailing and add the profound expertise of Carphone Warehouse in connectivity would make us a leading force in retailing for a connected world.”
“Together we can create a seamless experience for our customers that will enable technology to deliver what it promises – that is, to make their lives better” – he added.