Argos same-day delivery coming, CIO says

Argos expects to be able to offer same-day delivery in the near future, the company’s CIO Mike Sackman said in a recent CIO Profile interview as the company opened an ‘order-and-collect’ store at London’s Cannon Street station, the smallest Argos store in its 42-year history.

The former IT director at DIY retailer B&Q and pub operator Mitchells & Butler was speaking exclusively to CIO UK about developing the UK company’s technology strategy to put it at the head of digital retail.

“Over the next two years we’ll develop the capability to deliver to people’s homes same day from their local store,” Sackman said.

At the new Cannon Street Argos Collect, orders made before 1pm will be available for collection after 4pm on the same day.

Despite its digital focus, Sackman also said that a “clicks and mortar” approach was crucial to the success of Argos, with its 750 stores continuing to underpin its business model as a multi-channel retailer.

He said: “Stores are really very, very important for Argos. The stores are fundamental, our store teams are fundamental and the fact that you can pick up a product, check it and return it very easily, means that Argos is a unique offer. And we definitely have the opportunity to build on that.”

Sackman said that this is all part of the company’s focus this year to make it easier for customers to shop with Argos.

“You’ll be in and out of the store within seconds,” Sackman promises.

You can read the full interview with Argos CIO Mike Sackman here.