Argos digital stores open within two branches of Sainsbury’s

Sticking with digital convenience this week – as previously reported on the blog – Sainsbury’s recently announced plans to pilot small Argos digital stores within their supermarkets and now the first 2 of 10 stores are now open – in Nantwich, Cheshire and North Cheam, Surrey.

The new digital concessions are part of Argos’ ongoing plan to widen their offer and reach more customers by providing them with a convenient way to shop and collect their purchases along with their weekly grocery shop.

The new Argos stores provide shoppers with the opportunity to click and collect from a choice of 20,000 products within just a few hours of ordering, with guaranteed same day availability if they order before 1pm.

The other 8 planned digital stores are all due to open within the next few months and will range in size from 1,000 to 5,000 sq ft. These will be throughout the UK -located in Bognor Regis, Calcot, Crayford, Drumchapel , Durham, Keighley, Rustington and West Hove

Steve Carson, director of retail and customer operations at Argos describes the motivation behind the move – and the location of these particular stores:

“Working with Sainsbury’s will help us to bring the convenience of the Argos offer to more customers. This is the first time we have had stores in these specific locations.”

Roger Burnley, Sainsbury’s retail and operations director Roger Burnley suggests that Sainsburys also hope the move will be part of a wider plan to entice customers in the increasingly volatile grocery market, by offering something different for customers:

“This partnership with Argos is one of a series of steps we are taking to ensure we continue to offer our customers a wide range of products at great value and to make their shopping more convenient. “