Dick Smith plans expansion in Aust and NZ

Electronics retailer Dick Smith unveils plans to have 450 stores within the next two years during its annual general meeting.

Dick Smith

Dick Smith has told shareholders it plans to open more than 400 stores across the country by 2017. (AAP)

Dick Smith wants 450 stores across Australia and New Zealand by 2017 and a greater online presence.

Dick Smith plans to open 20 new shops each year and for its online business to generate 10 per cent of its sales.

It also wants its private label to supply 15 per cent of its sales by the 2017 financial year, company chairman Phil Cave told shareholders at its annual general meeting on Wednesday.

Sales in the first 15 weeks of 2014/15 were up 10.1 per cent with like-for-like sales up 1.7 per cent, chief executive Nick Abboud said.

Sales growth for the first half of 2015 should be in the single-digit to low double-digit range, subject to market conditions.

"If you look at the last half or last quarter, we've been growing at roughly double digit growth," Mr Abboud said.

"We see that momentum continuing."

The company also plans to introduce new products in its audio, accessories, TV and office ranges.

Mr Abboud said a key factor that would separate Dick Smith from its rivals would be its private brand.

"It does protect our gross margin as a organisation year on year," he said.

The company currently has 381 stores, including 286 Dick Smith, 29 Electronics Powered by David Jones and five Move stores in Australia.

Move stores, first opened a year ago, feature up-market electronics and fitness technology targeted at young affluent customers.

Also launched 12 months ago, was Dick Smith's partnership with David Jones.

Dick Smith also plans to launch $50 million of sales in a duty free format late next February.

Mr Abboud said another big revenue generator for the company was its partnership with Vodafone.

"We see this as a building block opportunity, not only for sales but for profit as we partner with Vodafone for our 450 stores by 2017," he said.

Most Dick Smith stores now offer Vodafone post-paid products and services.


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