Electricals chain Comet is to be placed into administration next week, staff were told today.

Around 6,500 jobs are likely to be affected by the announcement, although it is not yet certain which stores will close.

Comet said it was "urgently working" on plans to secure the company's future and it is expected that administrators will seek a buyer for the business.

Customers with outstanding orders and those with gift cards and vouchers are being told it is "business as usual until further notice" and that the group intends to fulfil deliveries of products that have been paid for.
Comet's customer care team is handling any customer inquiries on 0844 8009595.

Comet's reported collapse is one of the biggest since the demise of Woolworths in 2008 and comes a month after the failure of JJB Sports.

Other recent casualties have included Clinton Cards, Blacks Leisure, Game and Peacocks.

  • The announcement follows the news last weeek that Argos is set to close or relocate at least 75 of its stores over the next five years following the launch of its new digital catalogue, which will be released by Christmas.