Dixons
Forgotten Shops · 1937–2006
Published
Dixons began as a British photographic retailer in 1937. It later expanded into televisions, audio equipment, computers and other consumer electronics, becoming a familiar high-street destination. In 2006, its UK stores were rebranded as Currys.digital, bringing the Dixons fascia on British high streets to an end.
From Photography to Electronics
- Charles Kalms and Michael Mindel founded Dixons in 1937 as a photographic business.
- The retailer later expanded into televisions, audio equipment, computers and other consumer technology.
- Stores combined product displays with sales advice for rapidly changing technical goods.
A High-Street Technology Store
- Dixons grew as televisions, cameras, home computers and games systems entered British households.
- Its shops let customers inspect and compare equipment before purchase.
- The business became connected with Currys, PC World and the wider Dixons retail group.
The 2006 Rebrand
- The Dixons fascia disappeared from UK high streets when stores were rebranded Currys.digital in 2006.
- The change consolidated the group’s consumer-electronics retail brands.
- Company histories, advertising and consumer memories preserve the Dixons identity.
Key facts
**Associated with:** Charles Kalms — founder; Michael Mindel — co-founder
**Defining feature:** High-street retail specialising in photography and consumer electronics
**Status:** Preserved — UK stores rebranded as Currys.digital in 2006; preserved in retail records and public memory
Associated With
Charles Kalms — founder; Michael Mindel — co-founder
Defining Feature
High-street retail specialising in photography and consumer electronics
Status
Preserved - UK stores rebranded as Currys.digital in 2006; preserved in retail records and public memory
Primary Records
Image Sources
- Image 1 — Chris Howes/Wild Places Photography / Alamy Stock Photo. Purchased Alamy rights-managed editorial image (A9TKGA). Source.
Rights Notice
Images marked editorial review are displayed for commentary and research. Fair dealing under the UK CDPA 1988 applies only where its conditions are met. No permission for reuse is granted by that review flag. Image-specific open licences and public-domain statements are recorded separately in the image provenance.
Gallery
Credit
Chris Howes/Wild Places Photography / Alamy Stock Photo
Caption
Pedestrians outside a Dixons electronics shop in Cardiff, Wales.