Argos opens its first click-and-collect store on the Tube
For a long time, Argos embodied the phrase "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." That is until a couple of years ago, when it set out plans to become more digitally minded. Part of this strategy has been to improve the in-store experience by swapping laminated catalogues for tablets, but Argos is also trying to make itself more attractive to online shoppers. And to that end, the company today opened its first collection-only store, conveniently located -- for nearby Londoners, at least -- in Cannon Street Tube station. With long opening hours and same-day collection available if you buy or reserve online before 1PM, it's bound to be the saviour of many a last-minute Christmas shopper. In the grand scheme of things, however, it also shows Argos is aware that simply having a click-and-collect option isn't convenient enough anymore. These days, it's all about location.
Click-and-collect is becoming a much larger part of Argos' retail game plan. New, smaller "trial" stores and concessions within Homebase outlets are particularly reliant on online orders, as they stock a limited range of products customers can walk away with then and there. Argos is even letting eBay use its stores as pickup points, but we doubt this new collection-only location is giving Amazon anything to worry about. Not only does the online retail giant have pickup lockers in several Tube stations already, but it also announced today that over 10,000 Post Office branches will now provide the same service, too.
