Some suppliers to electricals retailer Comet have had credit insurance reduced, it is understood.

Trade insurer Coface said it had scaled back the extent of cover provided to Kesa-owned Comet, The Independent reported.

The implications of the consumer downturn have prompted credit insurers to cut coverage for suppliers to a large number of store groups, especially big-ticket specialists.

A Comet spokeswoman said: “We have not been informed of any change in the facilities that credit insurers provide to our suppliers. Our cash position remains strong.”

Last week it emerged that suppliers to Comet's biggest rival DSGi also had cover reduced. Woolworths and some of Icelandic investor Baugur's chains are among those other retailers whose suppliers have been affected.