Electricals retailer Comet is to offer a full range of its products via eBay as the retailer looks to expand its offering amid difficult trading conditions, it has been announced today.
Launching the partnership this week, Comet will use the e-tailer‘s website as it seeks to entice shoppers to its new store.
Over 100 other high street brands use eBay to sell their products though Comet is the first retailer to offer its full range, with prices ranging from £2.99 to £999.
As over 60 per cent of global sales at eBay are now on new and fixed-price goods, the company is keen to be seen as more than an auctioning site.
Comet‘s products will be among those offered at the eBay Christmas boutique on London‘s Dean Street which opens tomorrow until Monday December 5th. The pop-up shop will offer over 200 gift ideas in the e-tailer‘s first foray into bricks & mortar stores.
Angus McCarey, UK Retail Director of eBay, said that making its full inventory available via the site was a shrewd move for both companies.
“It will give our customers access to a huge range of electrical products at competitive prices and will enable Comet to benefit from access to millions of potential new customers, so they can sell stock quickly and cost-effectively,” he commented.
“Our huge customer base and mobile shopping expertise are key reasons why so many high street brands are opting to sell with us.”
It is hoped that the move will improve sales at Comet, which has struggled considerably in recent times and financial results for its final quarter revealed that like-for-like sales dropped 22.1 per cent in the three months ending July 13st 2011.
Last month, Comet owner Kesa Electricals agreed the disposal of the business to a private investment firm for a mere £2 though the retailer is expected to be kept running for at least 18 months.
Ryan Thomas, Head of Direct Channels at Comet, feels that this new development creates a great opportunity for the retailer.
“To continue to increase our market share and our multi-channel offer, we are always looking for ways to expand our customer base, whether on or offline,” he said.
“This partnership with eBay means we can give shoppers access to 4,600 electrical products. We also run daily deals on the site offering customer‘s savings of up to 50 per cent off.”
