Comet:6,000 jobs at risk, possible administration

paulofessex

Not sounding too good. Would suggest if you have any vouchers or deposits etc etc to consider what to do.

Also such a shame to hear of so many potential job loses.

Details

pmduk

It's sad for the staff, but hardly surprising. Another company that has alienated customers for years by ignoring them - and their consumer rights.

James_Lahey

As above I've never been tempted to shop there since the internet has been widespread. Why would I when I can get the same item cheaper, delivered and have much better customer service through Amazon/pretty much anyone else?

sillygoose

Sad. Even John Lewis has had better value appliances for a long time now. Interesting JL took a clever line, they sell a full range but do deals with manufacturers for a bulk buy of a model, sometimes exclusive to them and concentrate on that. Sells out like hot cakes. Does anyone even bother checking the price at Comet these days?

The sad bit is soon retail will disappear into the back of delivery vans and fuzzy little pictures on a website. Then you get a shock when the Fridge turns up and its too shallow to take a standard big Coke bottle, you couldn't tell from the pictures.

Azari

sillygoose wrote: »

The sad bit is soon retail will disappear into the back of delivery vans and fuzzy little pictures on a website. Then you get a shock when the Fridge turns up and its too shallow to take a standard big Coke bottle, you couldn't tell from the pictures.

This is a good point, SG, but it has been going this way since before the internet.

In years gone by, if you wanted to buy something such as a kettle, toaster, or radio, you could have gone to a shop and examined various models in detail.

Now, that is impossible and you have to make an educated guess and rely on people like Argos who have a 'no questions asked' returns policy to allow you to try again if your purchase is unsuitable.

This, of course, has happened as an inevitable consequence of:

1) Things getting a lot cheaper (relative to earnings).
2) People using the cheapest route to purchase.

sillygoose

Azari wrote: »

This is a good point, SG, but it has been going this way since before the internet.

In years gone by, if you wanted to buy something such as a kettle, toaster, or radio, you could have gone to a shop and examined various models in detail.

Now, that is impossible and you have to make an educated guess and rely on people like Argos who have a 'no questions asked' returns policy to allow you to try again if your purchase is unsuitable.

This, of course, has happened as an inevitable consequence of:

1) Things getting a lot cheaper (relative to earnings).
2) People using the cheapest route to purchase.

Yes... and the companies that put up the better information will be the overall winners. Example - I like to take foreign Villa holidays, the company I have used most puts up about 30 high resolution photos taken from all angles and often a video tour as well of the property. You book in confidence as when you get there no surprises. Some of the even biggest operators put 3 thumbnail size images! - a lot of people probably get a surprise when they find an Aldi carpark in their garden!

davidlizard

Azari wrote: »

This is a good point, SG, but it has been going this way since before the internet.

In years gone by, if you wanted to buy something such as a kettle, toaster, or radio, you could have gone to a shop and examined various models in detail.

Now, that is impossible and you have to make an educated guess and rely on people like Argos who have a 'no questions asked' returns policy to allow you to try again if your purchase is unsuitable.

This, of course, has happened as an inevitable consequence of:

1) Things getting a lot cheaper (relative to earnings).
2) People using the cheapest route to purchase.

Also, many people truck off to Comet/Currys to look at the various goods on sale when they are wanting to update or replace something, then go home and purchase the equivalent off the internet cheaper.

With mobile apps these days, one can stand in the shop and get a list of everywhere nearby or online that is cheaper. Retailers don't stand a chance.

The way its all going, this will not be possible as there will be no such shops left.

marmitepotato

This is so sad. I got made redundant from Comet last year. I have moved on, found a new job, but still keep in touch with my friends up and down the country who still work for Comet. I really feel for them right now.

Kite2010

Its been on the cards for a while.

fashionlover10

paulofessex wrote: »

Also such a shame to hear of so many potential job loses.

And yet they're currently advertising vacancies on the Job Centre website :huh: