Chaos reigns as Comet calls in administrators

In the aftermath of Comet's plunge into administration yesterday, the retailer faces a chaotic period amid technology breakdowns and customer uncertainty.

Electrical goods retailer Comet's impending administration has reportedly led to suppliers commandeering stock, its website crashing and shoppers being urged to spend vouchers soon to become worthless.

The company is expected to formally appointment of administrators early next week in a move which puts 6,500 jobs on the line.

In an email to staff, Comet chief executive Bob Darke said the board was "urgently working with its advisers to seek a solution to secure a viable future".

The move gives Comet five working days, which can possibly be extended to 10, to discuss a sale or other survival plans.

According to reports, the retailer will now launch a firesale of its goods to fight off the threat of becoming the recession's biggest UK high street casualty.