The shutters are slamming down on Comet stores as hopes that the collapsed electricals specialist can be saved fade.

It is understood administrator Deloitte is still in talks to thrash out a deal with potential white knight Clive Coombes, the property tycoon, however a raft of further closures came this week.

Deloitte will have closed 169 of Comet’s 240 stores by today with the remainder due to shut before Tuesday. Shoppers have been flocking to the stores to take advantage of 50% off closing down Sales before stock is cleared.

Coombes had been confident a deal could be forged to continue to trade a slimmed-down version of the chain backed by UK and Asian investment. But week-long talks had not resulted in an offer being made as Retail Week went to press.

If talks fail with Coombes, DRL and Shop Direct could be interested in the brand and website.

An ICM poll for Retail Week this week revealed that 35% of shoppers who intend to buy electricals in the Boxing Day and New Year’s Sales are likely to go online while 27% said they would head to a specialist such as Currys.

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All Comet stores to close today as losses hit £230m and Vince Cable steps in