Sainsbury’s takes on Amazon and launches Argos click-and-collect service in 100 stores just in time for Christmas
The initiative will allow shoppers to pick up Argos and Tu clothing orders placed online at convenience stores
THE BOSS of Sainsbury’s has unveiled plans to introduce Argos click-and-collect points in 100 stores just in time for Christmas.
The initiative means shoppers will be able to pick up Argos and Tu clothing orders placed online closer to where they live or work, starting from the end of 2017 - in time for the busy holiday period.
It comes after a successful at six Sainsbury’s Local stores, including Hackney Town Hall, Chessington and Canada Water.
The launch of Argos click and collect in Sainsbury's convenience stores is part of a longer term plan to have 2,000 Argos "points of presence" for the retailer.
Mike Coupe, Sainsbury’s chief executive, said customers are demanding more and more flexibility and more speed in terms of the way they shop.
He said: “More customers than ever are ordering online and choosing to collect from a store, which makes their lives easier and frees up their valuable time.
“Offering the Argos Click & Collect service in Sainsbury’s Local stores makes it even more convenient for our customers to buy our products.”
The move is also an attempt to fend off competition from the likes of Amazon.
Mr Coupe added that he envisages a time when Sainsbury's, like Amazon, partners with independent retailers and uses them as delivery points for Argos goods.
"Over time you can imagine there might be different kinds of arrangements, with local community stores for instance as drop off points," he said.
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Many customers rely on click and collect to avoid queues during the busy Christmas shopping period. But last year, retailers warned customers to book their slots in advance as some shops revealed they were almost booked up.
Sainsbury's initiative also comes after Tesco last month became the first supermarket to offer same day grocery delivery in the UK, ahead of a planned challenge from Amazon.
Earlier this year, Tesco extended its same day click and collect service - allowing customers to pick-up shopping from more than 300 locations across the country.
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