Currys to sell music and films online

High-street retailer Currys will begin selling CDs and DVDs online in a bid to become a "one-stop Christmas shop," it announced today.

It will be moving into an already competitive online music and film market, battling for customers with established music e-stores and major supermarkets.

But Currys claims its prices will undercut other major e-retailers and high street stores.

It will offer around 180,000 CDs and 40,000 DVDs from internet stores, with chart and new releases priced from £8.99 and £12.99 respectively, with no added delivery charge.

The chain, which is part of the DSG International group, does not expect to sell CDs or DVDs from its high street stores.

Currys MD Peter Keenan said: "With this announcement we really can be a one-stop Christmas shop. From the latest blockbuster DVD to timeless CD collections, we have put together a fabulous collection, and we're confident we're offering fantastic value."

Meanwhile, high street chain Waterstone's today formally announced the launch of its online store.

It says the site's "ask a bookseller" service and extensive search functions can match customers to their ideal books via computer.

Gerry Johnson, Waterstone's managing director, said: "Book lovers are now in a position to be able to access the best of specialist high street bookselling online from a brand they know and trust."

The launch follows a report from Verdict research earlier this month which said online and out-of-town retailers were stealing ground from high street stores.

Shoppers spent £767 million less in town centres last year than in 2004 - a drop of 0.6%.