It is a phenomenon said to be part of the demise last year of Jessops and Comet, and a survey by agency Foolproof found that 24% of us admitted to doing it in the run-up to last Christmas.

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He said Icetech had been facing two challenges - competition from cheaper Chinese imports and last year's collapse of the Comet electrical goods chain.

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Though meteors from Halley's Comet can be seen at this time of year, he said it did not come from the comet.

BBC: Meteor spotted in night sky in England and Wales

Already this year, HMV, the U.K.'s last music chain, camera retailer Jessops and the U.K. arm of DVD rental firm Blockbuster have entered administration, a form of bankruptcy, while electrical business Comet and sports store JJB Sports closed their doors toward the end of last year.

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