Comet has beefed up its sale, as more shops are set to close, with the ailing retailer now offering up to 50 per cent off on some items.
Having entered administration earlier this month, Comet is frantically hawking its dwindling wares on Twitter, increasing discounts in a bid to shift remaining stock. Washing machines, tumble dryers, fridges and freezers are 30 per cent off, while computer accessories, paper and ink have had prices cut by 50 per cent.
Those looking to adorn their kitchen with some swanky new items should note that there's now a 40 per cent discount on ovens, hoods and splash backs. That's right folks, it's cashback on your splash back!
The bad news is that TVs and laptops -- the most desirable items housed in Comet's vast stock warehouse -- have evaded discounts, even in shops that are set to close on 3 December and are offering 50 per cent off all other items.
Earlier this week Deloitte, which is handling Comet's voyage into administration, said that a further 125 shops would be closed, cutting 2,500 jobs, the Guardian reports. Unless a buyer for the struggling retailer can be found, the entire business could be shut down in the next few weeks, potentially leaving all 5,000 staff unemployed by Christmas.
Meanwhile Dixons Retail says it will benefit from Comet's collapse, a separate Guardian story explains. Revealing that it had turned a profit in the UK for the first time in five years, Dixons said, "While there may be some disruption while Comet completes the fire-sale of its stock in the short term, Currys and PC World will benefit from the consolidation."
Dixons has also previously said it would try to rescue Comet staff who were left without a job, offering employment over the Christmas period.
Although things were rosy in the UK thanks to "the sporting and cultural events during the summer", Dixons Retail didn't manage to make much cash overall. European branches suffered, leading to a £79.5m pre-tax loss in the six month period leading up to October.
Will you be sad to see Comet go? Can any high street shop compete with the likes of Amazon? Tell me in the comments or on our Facebook wall.
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Matt Winston. 30 November, 2012 15:07
I live across the road from a Currys and PC World superstores, and I doubt they are gonna be around much longer. Their products are over priced compared to supermarkets and on-line retailers, and even compared to smaller retailers like Richer Sounds. That and their awful customer service team that have no idea what they are talking about.
Its great to feel and briefly play with the latest tech tough!
anonymous 30 November, 2012 15:47
It's a real shame Comet is going to the wall, although I fully understand the web is killing it off, the staff there were really nice, and very helpful.
Having bought many high priced items from Comet, at competitive prices, I don't see Curry's/PC World doing any better in the long term.
I wish the staff the best, in what looks like bad timing to be out of a job.
Steve
anonymous 30 November, 2012 18:25
Comet might have survived if they were able to compete on an even playing field. Amazon manages to pay very low levels of tax to Uk Government. It is time the governement sorts these inequalities by either coling loopholes that alllow Amazon to pay low taxes or replace profit related taxes with alternative taxes to ensure equality.
anonymous 1 December, 2012 06:58
PC World/Currys, Comet, even Tesco etc are just showrooms for Amazon, if you have a brain.
Simon Mallinson 17 December, 2012 03:14
Shame to see Comet go. I worked in one of their stores over 25 years ago for a couple of years after college. Very well run in those days, good staff morale and loyal customers. I remember the arrival of the first PCs, mobile phones, camcorders and Amstrad Sky dishes and equipment into the stores. I loved gadgets so that helped.
The last decade must have been tough though, competing against the likes of Amazon.co.uk and other online electrical retailers, who have also thinned out due to the overpowering might of amazon.co.uk
Never liked Dixons, Currys or PC World. Staff knowledge and customer service appaling. Vaste majority of stuff overpriced. Was looking at laptops in PC World the other day. The salesman was more interested in flogging me some overpriced credit agreement than the actual goods. Would have doubled the price of the good over a couple of years. Told him, not interested and if I bought a laptop of similar I would buy it outright. You can tell must be bad if even the few staff they have in these superstores out number the customers 3:1