Argos opens digital store within Homebase Horsham

Argos has opened a brand new digital store inside Horsham’s Homebase.

11 new jobs have been created in the new paperless store where tablets have replaced the traditional laminated catalogues, paper slips and pencils.

Customers can use the tablets to browse for products, videos, photography and reviews online in the fully Wi-Fi enabled store before adding items to their online shopping trolley. Staff will also be on hand to provide personal service.

Up to 20,000 products – from technology to toys – will be available for same or next day delivery from the new Argos digital store and customers can also benefit from new services such as the Fast Track collection point.

Shoppers will also have the opportunity to browse thousands of products available from Homebase to undertake home and garden projects, including brands such as Habitat, Schreiber and Qualcast.

Chris Moore, Argos store manager said: “It’s been an exciting first week at the store and it’s fantastic that we can bring digital shopping experience to local people in Horsham. We’ve had so many positive comments from customers about the new look of the store and people have enjoyed using the tablets.”

Asad Ali, Homebase store manager, said: “We have been proud to be a part of the local community since opening in 1989 and it’s really exciting that local people now have access to Argos products from inside our store.

“Customers love the fact they can now get even more products all under one roof.”

Research commissioned by Argos found that 50 per cent of shoppers surveyed believe that one of the biggest benefits of online shopping is that it offers more choice. However, 75 per cent revealed that they still shop locally.

The new digital stores equip Argos for the online revolution, as shoppers increasingly browse and buy online via PCs, tablets and other mobile devices, while still wanting the immediacy of a local store to pick up their purchases. Around 44 per cent of Argos’ total sales now start online. Sales from mobile phones and tablets represent 25 per cent of the total sales.

Source : James Oxenham - West Sussex Country Times
www.wscountytimes.co.uk/news/business/business-news/argos-opens-new-store-in-horsham-s-homebase-1-6816004