The news of Sainsbury’s selling Argos for £120m prompts a fascinating question about its place in the modern retail landscape. While Amazon dominates online, Argos still holds a special spot for many shoppers.
Based on what people tell us, and observing consumer trends, here’s what people generally want from Argos and how new owners could help it compete:
### Do People Still Shop at Argos?
**Yes, many still do, but often for specific reasons.** While fewer people browse the physical catalogue or pop into standalone stores as a primary shopping destination, Argos remains popular for:
* **Urgent purchases:** Needing a small appliance, a toy, or a tech accessory *today*.
* **Convenience of Click & Collect:** Especially for items too large for easy home delivery or when people aren’t home during delivery windows.
* **Proximity:** The Argos “store-in-store” model within Sainsbury’s supermarkets makes it an easy add-on to a grocery trip.
* **Specific deals:** They often have strong promotions on certain items.
* **Trust:** It’s a well-known British brand with a long history.
However, many have shifted their routine purchases and “browsing” to Amazon due to its vast selection, often aggressive pricing, and Prime delivery.
### What People Want From Argos: The Core Desires
1. **Speed & Immediacy (The Argos USP):** This is paramount. People want to know they can order something and **collect it within hours, or even minutes.** This is Argos’s clearest differentiator from Amazon (which, while fast, rarely offers true “collect in 60 mins” across its range).
2. **Reliable Availability:** Nothing is more frustrating than ordering something for collection only to find it’s out of stock. Accurate, real-time stock information online and in-store is critical.
3. **Seamless Digital-to-Physical Experience:** A fast, intuitive website and app are essential. The journey from browsing online, reserving, paying, and then collecting should be buttery smooth. The physical collection point should be efficient and quick.
4. **Value for Money (Not Necessarily Cheapest, but Competitive):** While Amazon often wins on razor-thin margins, Argos needs to be perceived as offering good value, especially on its “core” items (electronics, homeware, toys). Strong, clear promotions are important.
5. **Curated, Reliable Range:** People don’t expect the infinite scroll of Amazon, but they do expect a strong selection of popular, reliable brands and products in key categories, backed by good product information and customer reviews.
6. **Easy Returns:** A hassle-free returns policy, easily managed at any collection point, is a significant convenience.
### How New Owners Can Compete with Amazon
To thrive, new owners need to lean into Argos’s unique strengths and modernize its approach:
1. **Double Down on “Now”:**
* **Hyper-efficient Click & Collect:** Make it the fastest and easiest in the market. Explore options like automated lockers or even faster “express lanes” for prepaid orders.
* **Expanded Collection Points:** Beyond Sainsbury’s, could they partner with other local businesses or transport hubs for even greater reach?
* **Local Delivery Options:** Offer hyper-local, same-day delivery from stores for an additional fee, competing with services like Uber Eats for goods.
2. **Elevate the Digital Experience:**
* **World-Class App & Website:** Invest heavily in UX/UI. Predictive search, personalized recommendations, clear product comparisons, and reliable stock alerts are non-negotiable.
* **Augmented Reality (AR):** Allow customers to “see” how furniture or appliances would look in their home before buying.
* **Enhanced Product Content:** More detailed specs, high-quality images/videos, and comprehensive user reviews.
3. **Refine the Physical Touchpoint:**
* **Showrooming, Not Just Collection:** Transform some collection points into mini-showrooms where customers can see, touch, and get advice on key products (e.g., trying out a new gadget, seeing furniture samples). This offers an experience Amazon can’t.
* **Streamlined In-Store Operations:** Remove any friction points in the collection process. Ensure staff are knowledgeable and helpful.
* **Self-Service Options:** Kiosks for ordering, payment, and even some collection.
4. **Curate the Range Strategically:**
* **Focus on Categories Where Immediacy Matters:** Small appliances (kettle broke?), consumer electronics (new phone charger?), toys (last-minute birthday gift?), gaming accessories, essential homeware.
* **Exclusive Partnerships:** Secure exclusive products or bundles that aren’t available on Amazon.
* **”Solutions” vs. Products:** Instead of just selling a desk, sell a “work-from-home setup” bundle with a chair, monitor, and desk lamp.
5. **Leverage Data for Personalization:**
* Use purchase history and browsing data to offer highly relevant product suggestions, promotions, and loyalty rewards.
Argos has a unique position as a hybrid retailer that bridges the gap between online speed and physical convenience. Its future lies in refining that unique blend, rather than trying to out-Amazon Amazon.
