Aussie battlers want tech, not candlelit dinners

in brief Although Aussies might be going without in other areas, they aren't willing to skimp on technology, according to the head of JB Hi-Fi.

"Australians' love affair with technology is alive and well. Whilst consumers may be cutting back on furniture, fashion, eating out, that new renovation and holidays, interest in home entertainment remains strong," JB Hi-Fi CEO Richard Uechtritz said in a statement.

JB Hi-Fi's optimistic stance follows a raising of its earnings guidance, with after tax profit for the half year to 30 June expected to reach AU$64 million, up from the previous guidance of between AU$57 million to AU$60 million.

With AU$2.35 billion sales expected in the 2009 financial year, JB Hi-Fi expects to be the sixth largest Australian retailer behind Woolworths, Wesfarmers, Harvey Norman, Myer and Aldi.