Comet administrator details store closure programme
THE future of the region’s remaining Comet stores looks bleak. Administrator Deloitte has announced plans to close a further 125 branches nationwide.
And it said the remaining 70 stores that would leave open – from an original 236 – are likely to close when all the stock is sold.
The closures follow the announcement of 735 job losses at the insolvent electrical retailer last week, will take place over “several weeks”.
More than 1,000 employees, out of a total of 6,611, have been made redundant since Comet went into administration at the beginning of last month.
Joint administrator Chris Farrington said: “We remain in discussions with a small number of interested parties and hope that a positive outcome can still be achieved.
“Should any acceptable offers be received for stores we will delay the closure process. Unfortunately, in the absence of a firm offer for the whole of the business, it has become necessary to begin making plans in case a sale is not concluded. If a sale is not possible we would envisage stores to begin closing in December.”
Bolton-based Appliances Online has reportedly made a “seven figure” offer for Comet’s website, while reports suggest entrepreneur Clive Coombes is in discussions with Deloitte about making an offer for 180 Comet stores.
Reports suggest more than 3,000 jobs could be affected by the latest round of store closures which could see employees made redundant a week or so before Christmas.
