Fourteen years after disappearing from Britain’s high streets, one of the country’s most recognisable electricals brands has officially returned, complete with its famous black and orange identity and a new ambition to become the UK’s go-to destination for tech and electricals.
First founded in 1933, Comet was part of British life for generations, the place millions of families went for a new television, washing machine, games console or their latest bit of tech.
Now, more than 90 years after the name first appeared, Comet has been rebuilt for the way Britain shops today.
The new Comet launches online with more than one million products spanning TVs, mobile phones, computing, gaming, cameras, kitchen appliances and household electricals.
While the familiar name and colours are back, the old retail model isn’t. Rather than holding its own stock, Comet has returned as a dedicated electricals marketplace, bringing products from 2,500 sellers together in one specialist destination.
Cas Paton, CEO of Comet, said: “Ask almost anyone in Britain about Comet and they’ll have a memory attached to it. It might be the first TV they bought when they moved out, the family computer, a games console at Christmas or the washing machine they suddenly couldn’t live without.
“Comet is a brand that still has such a positive impression on so many people. That connection hasn’t gone away, and now we have the opportunity to bring it back for a whole new generation.
“But this isn’t about trying to recreate the Comet of the past. We want to take that nostalgia, history and trust and build something for the way people shop today. Our ambition is simple: when you need something that plugs in, we want Comet to be the first place you think of.”
The relaunch is backed by a £10 million investment as Comet looks to re-establish itself as a major force in UK electricals.
For Paton, the ambition is to ultimately build Comet into a £1 billion business. With the backing of a famous British brand and a marketplace model built for modern shoppers, the focus is on reaching that milestone as quickly as possible.
Comet’s return also creates a significant new sales opportunity for businesses operating across the electricals market.
Unlike a traditional retailer, Comet does not compete with sellers by offering its own inventory. Instead, every sale made through Comet is a sale for one of the retailers or brands on the marketplace, giving them a new route to UK shoppers under one of the most recognised names in British electricals.
Paton added: “Every sale that’s made on Comet is a sale for another retailer. We’re a friend of the retailers. We’re here to attract customers, build trust and give customers choice.”
“We want to bring some competition back to the market, but in a way that creates opportunity for retailers and brands too. Comet already means something to British shoppers. Our job now is to turn that recognition into customers and sales for the businesses selling through us.”
Comet is now welcoming new sellers ahead of its first peak trading period, as it continues to expand the range available through the marketplace.
Retailers and brands interested in selling through Comet can find more information here.
