RETAILER Comet has started a stock liquidation sale today.

The high street store's website says that everything is reduced - and thousands of people across the country are expected to try and pick up a bargain.

Comet, which is being run by administrators Deloitte, announced the "massive stock liquidation" on its website today.

The sale appears to be limited to physical stores with customers unable to buy goods online.

The website currently only offers a question and answer page, store locations and confirmation that gift cards will be accepted during the sale.

But it also warned customers that it is no longer providing refunds, and any goods ordered but not paid for prior to administration will not be delivered.

The sale follows suggestions that staff at the collapsed chain could have the chance to join a rival after Dixons outlined plans to take on seasonal staff.

The owner of PC World and Currys has delayed its normal Christmas recruitment drive, when it expects to take on an additional 2,000 seasonal shop staff, to offer Comet staff the opportunity to join the business.

Comet was placed into administration on Friday and gift vouchers for the stricken electrical retailer suspended on Saturday. The temporary ban was lifted on Tuesday.

Deloitte has been searching for a buyer for Comet's 236 shops since last week, but reports today suggested stores could start to close next week.

The high street electricals market in the UK has come under huge pressure as cash-strapped shoppers put off purchases of big-ticket items such as TVs and large appliances.

Consumers were quick to criticise the sale as offering little more than 10 per cent to 20 per cent off items.

A Deloitte spokesman said of the sale: "The discounts are gentle. It's not a hard sale.

"We are not commenting on market speculation about store closures."

 

  • Have you been to the Orbital store today and got a good deal? Were people queing out of the door or was it quiter than you expected? Maybe you are a member of staff who faces uncertainy in your job? We would love to hear from you.

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