High-street stalwart and last-minute birthday present saviour Argos has announced that it’s to begin offering same-day delivery in the UK.
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Argos will make same-day deliveries on its 20,000 most popular products up to 10pm.
‘As customers increasingly shop from online and mobile shopping channels, they are increasingly sensitive to the speed and cost of obtaining their products, ‘ said Argos chief executive John Walden. Customers can continue to shop with us in the traditional ways if they choose to.
The new service comes 15 years after the retailer first offered click and collect in the UK.
Argos has opened 50 digital concessions in Homebase and Sainsbury’s stores as it attempts to extend its reach.
The decision to launch the service in time for Christmas was strategic and will likely prove a success as retailers prepare for Black Friday.
Customers choosing Fast Track Delivery can select from four convenient home delivery slots: 7am-10am, 10am-1pm, 2pm-6pm and 7pm-10pm, seven days a week including Sunday Customers can order by 6pm to have an item delivered by 10pm on the same day, or schedule a convenient time on the next day or future days.
Argos has created new jobs for 3,300 drivers, who will operate 800 vans this Christmas season.
With Fast Track Collection, customers can collect their products from 800 Argos store locations nationwide, at specially marked Fast Track Collection counters. Charges imposed on customers can be very high and many firms, including Amazon and Tesco, have increased the minimum spend needed for their home delivery services. How long will it be before someone feels compelled to offer 15-minute delivery?
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“In terms of customers being able to order online as late as 6pm and receive products on their doorstep that evening, Argos is showing its rivals a clean pair of heels with this new speedy nationwide service. While having the right offer at the right price will be as crucial as ever this Christmas, there will also be a sprint finish on the nation’s roads to deliver the goods the same or next day”. The flat fee of £3.95 undercuts Amazon’s one-hour Prime Now service, which costs £6.99 per order and is only available within certain London postcodes and to customers who pay £70 a year for its Prime scheme.
