Catalogue giant Argos has launched a trial of sound and vision installation services in an effort to capture a slice of the technology support market targeted by electricals retailers Comet and DSGi.

The Home Retail Group-owned chain has begun a Get Connected pilot at 60 stores, providing installation services for TVs, DVD recorders, VCRs and home theatre systems bought from its outlets. The service does not cover products bought from other retailers.

Argos is charging an installation fee of£47 for TVs up to 27 inches and£59 for larger ones.

Retailers view technology support services as a lucrative opportunity, as households purchase more complex technology. Last September, DSGi launched the Tech Guys, which provides a raft of computer and home entertainment support. Rival Comet followed it with its Comet on Call offer this spring.

Retail Knowledge Bank senior partner Robert Clark said that the trial made sense. “Given the complexity of some kit these days, there is probably a call for it,” he said. However, he warned: “Once you get into services, there are different disciplines and you have to get it right.”

An Argos spokeswoman said: “It is one of a number of after-sales initiatives we look at to make our products and services even more accessible and convenient to our customers. It is very early days and the trial is still being monitored.”

For the quarter to September 1, Argos posted sales up 4.8 per cent to£942 million on like-for-likes up 1.8 per cent.

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