PC vendor Acer and retail group DSGi have both seen a rise in sales thanks to Windows 7, despite reporting relatively flat results in the period leading up to the operating system’s release.
DSGi, which owns chains including PC World and Currys, today posted its results for the 6 months up to 17 October – just short of the 22 October Windows 7 release date. Underlying group sales were down one per cent to £3.33 billion, compared to £3.37 billion in the previous half year. Like-for-like sales were down four per cent, but did start picking up towards the end of the period, with a rise of one per cent in the last 8 weeks of the half.
According to DSGi, “UK computing sales [are] seeing a significant improvement following the launch of Windows 7 since the period end with a return to positive like-for-like sales”.
"Our turnaround is on track and customers are responding well to the significant changes we are making. We have seen improving trends in a number of our businesses, particularly in recent weeks," chief executive John Browett said.
Acer’s CEO Gianfranco Lanci, meanwhile, told reporters that Microsoft’s new operating system had also had a positive effect on the vendor’s sales.
"When we saw the features of Windows 7, we already knew that it would be good for demand. We have no plans to revise," Reuters quotes Lanci as saying. He added that the company is expecting sales this quarter to remain flat on Q3, but to be up 25 per cent on the same period last year.
The two firms join Dell in reporting the positive impact of Windows 7 – a trend that agrees with PCR’s annual survey, which found that 76 per cent of retailers believe the operating system will provide a boost to the industry.
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