Comet have a Clearance store at a retail park close to me ( its right next to Wembley Stadium actually).
There are no elaborate displays, none of the usual inviting colour schemes or layouts, it just looks like an abandoned shop thats being used to clear stock which is basically what it is, just rows of appliances divided up into washing machines, cookers, dishwashers, dryers etc and a section for TVs and other entertainment goods.
The products they sell are shop soiled, returns, refurbished and cosmetically damaged in some way. Each item has a sticker telling you what the problem is and everything you buy comes with a full 12 month guarantee.
I know these are uncertain times and a 12 month guarantee is only worth anything as long as Comet stay in business, but its no different to the 12 month guarantee that comes with a full priced appliance from the regular store, so if they go bust they go bust regardless of how much you paid or which store you bought it from.
I recently bought a washing machine that retails in Comet for £399 for £244 in this store. It had a scratch down one side that cant be seen once its in place. On the day I was in there, they had an offer of a half price dishwasher with every washing machine sold, thats half of an already heavily discounted price ( most items were 30% less).
When I indicated that I may buy a washing machine AND a dryer I was offered a further discount so they are ready to cut a deal in addition to the savings you already make.
Obviously there are items in there that are visibly damaged, missing knobs, dents and things that cant be hidden / repaired, but if you have the time to take a good look around then you could get a really good deal, and dont forget theres the 12 month guarantee so theres nothing to lose.
If you are setting up home for the first time, letting a property out for rent or find yourself needing to replace an expensive item at a time when funds are tight, then this place is well worth checking out.
You can park right outside, infact I backed right up to the door, the staff helped me load the machine into my car. There were also plenty of staff ready to help and I didnt need to go and hunt for a salesperson when I had a question.
In future I will always check out this store BEFORE I look anywhere else, and I woudl advise anyone else to do the same or see if there is a clearance store near you.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
This sounds like its worth knowing if you live in the area. Though guarantees are only any good if you trust the company to still be up and running in 12 months time and in these uncertain times, I guess you just never know...
Jan 2nd, 2009
very helpful by (100%):
