Darty

Specialist retailers, such as Darty for electronics or H

Carrefour Tries a Booster for Tiring Hypermarkets 2010

The weak U.K. performance also spread to Europe where Kesa's Darty chain in France reported a 3.7% drop in first quarter sales, reflecting a reversal of economic fortunes for the electricals sector in France amid falling consumer confidence.

Kesa Considering Comet Options as Sales Slump 22% Kathy Gordon 2011

Kesa reported a 3.7% fall in same-store revenue at Darty between May and the end of October on declining TV sales.

Kesa Sells Loss-Making Comet Chain Kathy Gordon 2011

Kesa is moving to duplicate the Darty concept—which in France has engendered high customer loyalty and strong profits—to its smaller businesses around Europe.

Kesa Sells Loss-Making Comet Chain Kathy Gordon 2011

Kesa is in the process of exporting the Darty concept to its other European stores, but even this jewel in the crown is beginning to come under pressure as the French consumer environment deteriorates.

Kesa Sells Loss-Making Comet Chain Kathy Gordon 2011

After the sale, which is expected to complete in February, Kesa will focus on its market-leading Darty business in France where its mid-sized, service-led stores focus on high-margin innovative brands and paid for services.

Kesa Sells Loss-Making Comet Chain Kathy Gordon 2011

Although the U.K. operations are the focus of market attention, Kesa, which also operates European electrical retailers including the profitable Darty chain in France, said full year sales rose 2.2% to €5.92 billion, while net profit fell to €31.8 million from €44.6 million predominantly because of restructuring costs.

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Kesa's largest shareholder, activist investor Knight Vinke which has an 18% stake in the group, backed the Comet sale, which it hopes will be a precursor to a listing of Kesa's remaining businesses, particularly Darty, on the Paris stock exchange.

Kesa Sells Loss-Making Comet Chain Kathy Gordon 2011

And while he and his queen are out riding horses at Versailles, what should we see but a carriage in the distance from a 20th century French department store or perhaps from Darty, the chain of home appliance stores to which Sarkozy's daughter-in-law is heir.

Lisa Nesselson: A Film Without an Award is Like a Fish Without a Bicycle 2010

And while he and his queen are out riding horses at Versailles, what should we see but a carriage in the distance from a 20th century French department store or perhaps from Darty, the chain of home appliance stores to which Sarkozy's daughter-in-law is heir.

A Film Without an Award is Like a Fish Without a Bicycle Lisa Nesselson 2010