‘Supersize’ TVs and beer pumps fly off shelves as UK gripped by World Cup
British consumers have been splashing out on “supersize” televisions, beer pumps, and barbecues, as the ongoing World Cup continues to fuel a boost in high street sales, according to the chief executive of electronics retailer Currys.
The company has reported a significant uplift in trade, benefiting from the football tournament currently being held across the US, Mexico, and Canada, alongside favourable warm weather conditions in the UK.
Alex Baldock, Currys boss, stated: “We’ve seen shoppers supersizing their TVs for the World Cup, with strong sales of TVs of 90in and over.” He added: “Current trading has been very pleasing, and the World Cup has been good for sales of TVs, beer pumps, BBQs and hot tubs.”
The chief executive, whose retail group also operates extensively in the Nordics, expressed his hope that both the England and Norway teams will progress deep into the competition.
Currys noted a remarkable 221 per cent increase in sales of televisions measuring 90 inches and larger, compared to figures during Euro 2024, reflecting a growing consumer trend towards even bigger screens.
It added that sales of PerfectDraft home beer pumps are up 27 per cent as customers sought to bring the pub experience to their homes while watching matches.
It came as Currys revealed stronger sales despite a “subdued consumer backdrop”, amid a boost from demand for AI technology.

Departing boss Mr Baldock said the group’s performance is continuing “to strengthen”, shrugging off wider concerns about pressure on shopper finances.
Currys told shareholders that adjusted pre-tax profits lifted by 18 per cent to £191 million for the year to May 2, compared with a year earlier.
The profit rise came after group revenues increased 6 per cent to £9.25 billion for the year, with growth in both the UK and Nordics regions.
In the UK, sales rose 3 per cent to £5.4 billion for the year despite a decline across the wide market.
It said computing was particularly strong, as it benefited from AI technology sales and gaming launches such as the Nintendo Switch 2.
The company said every category grew apart from consumer electronics, where it was knocked by “soft” demand for TVs.
Currys added that trading has been “very solid” in the two months since the end of its financial year.
Mr Baldock has helped lead an upturn in the retailer’s performance in recent years but is set to leave the business in the coming months after eight years in the top role.
Earlier this year, he confirmed plans to take the top job at high street pharmacy and beauty chain Boots in the autumn.
Fredrik Tonnesen, the boss of Currys’ Nordics business, is set to replace Mr Baldock in the top role from next month.
Mr Baldock said: “Currys is trending in the right direction on every dimension that matters.
“The outside world remains uncertain, and we are not counting on it to do us any favours. Still, there is much more in the tank here.
“In Fredrik, the business has an outstanding leader to continue and accelerate this progress.”
