Dixons

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. DSG Ireland followed suit in August 2008.

History

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.

Reputation

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. In the Republic of Ireland, the Dixons brand was axed from the high street in August 2008, with the stores rebranded Curry's (not Currys.digital, however, and with a new Currys logo). One store (in the Jervis Shopping Centre) remains Dixons pending its conversion to a PC World outlet. DSG Ireland intends to open a dixons.ie internet site however, maintaining the brand