Iconic high street store to make online return more than a decade after shutting

OVER 200 STORES ACROSS THE UK WERE CLOSED AFTER THE FIRM'S COLLAPSE IN 2012. 10:17, 22 May 2025 One of the biggest high street stores is set to return after its collapse back in 2012.

Boasting more than 200 stores across the country at the time, electrical giant Comet was the go to store for all shoppers' technology needs. However after racking up heavy losses, the

chain was forced to close its doors. Now, over a decade later, the Comet brand is set to be relaunched, but in a slightly different way. Instead of gracing our high streets and shopping

centres, the electronics retailer will be transformed into an online-only store. Founder of OnBuy - the online marketplace who has bought the brand - Cas Paton has said they have planned to

pump more than £10million into bringing back Comet - along with its original branding, report the Mirror. Comet was founded in 1933 in Hull, where they started out by selling batteries and

radios. While Comet grew to become a high street giant, it also became one of the biggest high street casualties in recent years. In 2012, the electronic's legend met its doom after

racking up heavy losses. This resulted in 7,000 job losses as the 236-store chain closed its doors for what felt like for good. Thirteen years on, OnBuy is hoping to relaunch the Comet

website just in time for Christmas. However, it should be noted that there seems to be no plans for the brand to return to our high streets. Paton said: "I am so excited, so thrilled.

Growing-up, I went to Comet to get what I needed. It was a brand that was close to me personally. We want to bring Comet back to the UK consumer. It’s a household name that we estimate is

recognised by 70 per cent of UK adults." The renewed Comet is set to operate as an online shop window where big name electrical goods makers can advertise and sell their products.

However, it won't be easy for Comet to take back its crown as it is re-entering the market against online giants such as Amazon and Currys. Despite this, Paton insists that the strength

of the Comet brand can prove to be a winner. Dismissing the size of their online competitors, Paton claims he will be able to beat them on price. He vowed: "Consumers will have more

choice and more competitive prices. We will be ultra competitive and undercut Currys and Amazon." It is said that most of the £10million will be put into Comet's technology, but

the relaunch is also expected to create around 50 new jobs. Its new owner OnBuy was launched in November 2016 and is now said to be valued at around £200million. However, Comet isn't

the only retailer to have a revival, as last week it was announced that famous furniture firm MFI was coming back as an online store - 18 years after its original collapse. Bought by

Victorian Plumbing in 2024, it is said that the brand will be launched online next year. Way before its collapse in 2008, Mullard Furniture Industries started out as a mail order business in

1964 before becoming Britain's biggest furniture retailer. In other retailer news, the firm behind Topshop has recently said that the clothing retailer is also set to make a much-loved

return to the high street after high demand from shoppers. Online giant Asos, who bought the brand after the collapse of Sir Philip Green's Arcadia empire, has revealed that a

standalone Topshop website is set to be launched in the summer. Article continues below However, they have also hinted that the beloved brand will be making a physical comeback. JOIN THE

DAILY RECORD WHATSAPP COMMUNITY! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the

top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is CLICK HERE IF YOU'RE ON

MOBILE, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat

our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click

on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.