Comet sale ramps up as Dixons set to 'benefit' from demise
Comet is beefing up its sale discounts, with 50 per cent off some items. Dixons meanwhile says it will benefit from Comet's death.
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.
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