Argos to open digital stores in Sainsbury's supermarkets

The general merchandise retailer has teamed up with the grocery giant in a bid to “bring extra choice and convenience” to Argos and Sainsbury’s customers.

Shoppers will now have access to both retailers’ ranges in selected Sainsbury’s stores, with the Argos digital stores ranging in size from 1,000 sq ft to over 5,000 sq ft.

Argos bosses say the new digital stores, which will open by the summer, will provide customers with a choice of more than 20,000 non-food products, which can be purchased instantly in-store via tablets, or reserved online for collection the same day or the following day.

An extended range of 40,000 products can also be ordered in-store for home delivery.

It is not yet known where the 10 digital stores will be located.

John Walden, chief executive of Home Retail Group, which owns Argos, said: “Our new distribution model allows us to provide customers in any Argos location with a choice of around 20,000 lines within hours, regardless of the size or stocking capacity of the store.

“This strategic capability has opened up options for a variety of new Argos stores and formats, and the possibility that we can now cost-effectively reach more customers and neighbourhoods with an Argos presence. 

“I look forward to the results of the 10-store programme with Sainsbury’s and to understanding the full potential of this exciting opportunity.”

Sainsbury’s chief executive Mike Coupe added: “These 10 Argos stores will complement our supermarket offer, giving customers the opportunity to shop for an extended range of non-food items.

“They will bring something new and different to our customers, and fit well with our strategy of making our supermarkets more convenient.

“As well as looking at carefully selected partners, we continue to roll out our ranges of own-brand clothing and general merchandise in our supermarkets to give customers even more choice and value.”