BT Group PLC (LSE:BT.A) is to start selling kitchen appliances such as smart fridges, kettles and coffee machines as the telecoms group looks for ways to boost growth and raise the profile of its consumer brand, according to the Financial Times.
The FT said EE, BT's mobile and retail division, will sell household electronic goods from next year in addition to the entertainment products such as laptops, cameras and smart TVs it already sells.
EE also plans to expand its gaming, insurance, and subscription services.
Marc Allera, chief executive of EE, told the Financial Times: "We think we can do it better than other retailers,” pointing to EE’s network of stores and UK call centres as well as a new online customer portal, which he said made it a good rival to online-only retailers.
Shares in BT rose 1.6%, against a weak market, while electricals retailers Currys PLC (LSE:CURY) fell 1.7% and AO World PLC (LSE:AO.) fell 1.1% on the threat of rising competition.