Appliances Online tables offer for Comet website

BOLTON-based white goods retailer Appliances Online has tabled a bid to buy the website of rival Comet from administrators.

The fast-growing privately-owned company, which says its has seen a 10% uplift in sales since the Comet insolvency, is expecting to face competition from a several other bidders for the brand’s web domain.

John Roberts, founder and chief executive of DRL Holdings, which owns the £300m turnover Middlebrook company, said: “I can confirm that Appliances Online has submitted a seven figure sum for the Comet website.

“Appliances Online would hope to be able to run the Comet brand online but that will depend on whether they are able to rescue the brand before too much damage is done through the administration process.  However, Appliances Online’s reputation for outstanding customer service and value combined with the Comet brand’s resonance and recall  would make for a powerful force online.

“We believe it is unlikely that Comet will survive in any form on the retail parks which leaves Currys in a very strong position. Our job is now to make sure we deliver a choice for the customers to keep Currys honest and ensure a competitive retail market that retains an alternative for customers on who they trust for value and service with their hard earned cash.”

Among the other parties reported to be interested in Comet’s online assets are Liverpool-based Shop Direct Group.

Administrators Deloitte have already cut more than 1,000 jobs and are closing 41 stores by the end of this month. Comet was forced into administration after credit insurance was withdrawn leaving it unable to buy stock for Christmas.