Argos channel launches on Sky TV

Argos launched its home shopping television channel on Sky TV on June 15th, which is set to showcase over 1,000 items from its catalogue each and every week via a combination of pre-recorded and live product demonstrations.

The first ever UK high street retailer to have its own TV channel, Argos TV will be available to view in no less than 10 million homes, and the retailer will be hoping that this new sales channel boosts its falling sales figures (first quarter trading results showed a 9.6 per cent decline for like-for-like sales compared to the same period in 2010).

Broadcasting 24 hours a day, Argos TV seeks to gain an edge over its rivals (most notably QVC) by offering free-of-charge collection at any of its 750 stores throughout the UK and Ireland, eliminating costly and time-consuming delivery procedures.

Indeed, once reserved, items will be available for immediate pick-up during store opening hours and held until the end of the next working day.

Hopefully Argos has thought through all potential scenarios as it relates to customers being able to simply ‘reserve’ items without any financial (or legal) ramifications. Incomplete reservations could lead to an extremely high volume of paperwork and administration, which brings with it adverse financial consequences - not to mention wasted man-hours. From the customer’s perspective though, being able to lay claim to a product without having to make any financial commitment may prove highly tempting.

Notwithstanding, home delivery is also offered, starting at £5.95 per package.

In addition to being able to buy or reserve products via phone and online, customers can also make transactions via iPhone. By downloading the free-of-charge Argos iPhone app, users can add products to the trolley, and then select at which store they would like the item reserved at.

To find out which items have recently been promoted, along with a complete TV guide, visit www.argos.co.uk/tv

Published June 2011