Poundstretcher is in negotiations to acquire over 20 former stores of electricals retailer Comet, which disappeared from the high street last year.

The value retailer is currently in negotiations with landlords about the sites, which are around 10,000 sq ft.

Poundstretcher property director Tim Shattock said: “In general the Comet stores are in good locations and in towns where we are not currently located and the stores are also in good condition.”

The retailer plans to open more than 50 stores in the next financial year and is aiming to operate from 500 stores by the year ending March 2015.

Despite Comet closing the doors on its last store on December 18 a buyer for the brand is yet to be found. Online electicals retailer DRL is understood to be the only remaining bidder in the running to buy the Comet brand, however the sale is taking longer than expected.

Shattock said Poundstretcher will not be taking on any former Jessops or Blockbuster stores because they are “a bit small”, while former HMV stores are “too prime”.

Value retail rival Poundland is eyeing some HMV stores, property director Craig Bales confirmed. He said there was “more of an opportunity” with taking some former HMV stores than former Blockbuster and Jessops stores, which tend to offer a smaller amount of space.