Carphone

Carphone Underground? No, Carphone, more commonly known as Carphone Warehouse, was a British retailer and brand focused on mobile phones and related services. The chain originated in the United Kingdom in the late 20th century and expanded to other European markets, selling devices, SIM cards, and accessories through standalone stores and concessions in electronics retailers. It played a prominent role in popularizing the purchase of handsets on contracted and pay-as-you-go plans, offering in-store advice, insurance options, and after-sales support.

Corporate history and structure: Carphone Warehouse operated as part of a broader group that grew to become one of Europe’s largest independent mobile retailers. In 2014, the company’s retail business was acquired by Dixons Retail (now Currys plc), creating the combined entity Dixons Carphone. Under the new structure, the Carphone Warehouse brand continued to operate in some markets and channels, but its stores gradually became integrated with the broader Currys PC World network or were rebranded over time.

Rebranding and status today: In the following years, the parent company pursued a consolidation and branding strategy that emphasized the Currys name. By the early 2020s, many Carphone Warehouse stores had been rebranded or closed, and the retail footprint was aligned with Currys and PC World formats. The Carphone Warehouse brand thus became less prominent in physical stores, though it remains associated with the era of large-scale mobile phone retail in the UK and Europe.

Legacy: The Carphone Warehouse brand is often remembered for its extensive on-street presence and its role in shaping consumer access to mobile technology and services during the mobile boom era.