Sainsbury’s plans to double the number of in-store Argos outlets and introduce home furnishings retailer Habitat into its stores following its £1.4 billion takeover of Home Retail Group.
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The news comes after Sainsbury’s announced on Friday that it had completed the acquisition of Home Retail, marking the end of a lengthy takeover process which saw the United Kingdom supermarket at one point compete with South Africa’s Steinhoff.
The supermarket is now set to open more Argos digital concessions in its stores, having tested the format in 10 outlets earlier this year.
The number of Argos concessions will increase from 13 to 30 while five mini Habitat stores will be opened within Sainsbury’s stores over the coming months.
The Argos “digital stores” within the supermarkets will offer customers a choice to either buy instantly via tablets or to reserve online for same-day collection.
The purchase of Home Retail means Sainsbury’s now sells over 90,000 products, trading from about 2,000 United Kingdom stores – 601 supermarkets, 773 convenience stores and 739 Argos stores including concessions, and three Habitat stores. “I am delighted to be able to quickly capitalise on the benefits of our combined group”.
John Rogers, chief executive of Sainsbury’s Argos, said: “Argos is one of the UK’s leading digital retailers”.
Sainsbury’s announced last Friday it had completed the Home Retail Group acquisition.
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“Habitat is a fantastic brand and we know customers will value the opportunity to shop the stylish ranges in Sainsbury’s stores”.
