The small-format stores, which make up 8% of the electricals group’s total UK selling space, will close from April 3, with the loss of 2,900 jobs.

Dixons Carphone will now only sell mobile phones online and through its big-box three-in-one stores, which house a Carphone Warehouse, Currys and PC World.

The retailer hopes the move will allow its mobile arm to swing from an anticipated £90m loss in its current financial year into a profit by the end of 2021/21.