Comet is relaunching today as an online-only business, 14 years after the electrical chain collapsed in 2012. The revived retailer retains its original branding and will carry more than a million electrical products from launch, ranging from TVs and mobile phones to washing machines and kettles.
Revival under OnBuy ownership
The launch follows online marketplace OnBuy.com's purchase of the Comet brand in May last year. OnBuy had originally said the Comet website would go live by last Christmas, but that was delayed.
The relaunched Comet will not sell its own stock. Instead, it will operate as an online shop window where big-name retailers and electrical goods makers can advertise and sell their products.
From high street giant to collapse
Comet was founded in Hull in 1933, starting out selling batteries and radios, and grew to become a high street giant. The 236-store chain went to the wall in 2012, with 7,000 job losses, after racking up heavy losses.
Cas Paton, founder of OnBuy, said: "We have got Comet so well placed for the launch that we know that the site is going to be a success." He added: "There's never been an electronics and gadgets marketplace in the UK. There has been in the US and Europe. We think there is a big gap in the market for consumers to compare different retailers and different brands."
Brand strength and future plans
Paton claimed Comet's website would display far more products than retailer rivals, with over one million products and accessories. He started his first business aged 21 with £80 after leaving the Royal Navy.
"We've done some testing and paid a lot of money for the brand," he said. "We think it's such a good, positive story that something is actually coming back, rather than collapsing. It's a resurgence of something that is quite dear to people, and positive nostalgia."
Recalling visits to Comet stores, he said: "There were only two places to buy your gadgets and electricals, Dixons and Comet. People felt dear to Comet but it lost its way." While there will not be a return of Comet stores, he said they were looking at tying up with a retailer to offer a click-and-collect option for customers.
