Austerity-minded shoppers have flocked to electricals retailer Comet’s clearance website since reserve prices were removed last month.

Traffic to Clearance-comet.co.uk rocketed by almost 117% between June 26 and July 26, Google Analytics showed. In the final week of the period, visits rose more than 155% week on week.

The retailer’s abandonment of reserve prices was the latest stage of an upgrade to the site and has enabled shoppers to buy products such as freezers for £1.

Comet head of marketing Bill Moir said: “At a time when the nation is trying to save money and reduce household expenditure, the Comet website is a savvy option.”
The site carries product that is typically end of line, ex-display or has been returned.

Between 700 and 800 products are added per week and there are about 400 available to bid for each day.

Other purchases have included a £379 washer-drier for £2 and a £339.99 gas cooker for £3.