Argos Revamp to bring in Festive Cash
Argos are set to rid us of their incessant catalogue, blue pencil and paper in an attempt to revitalise their space in retail and establish themselves as a economical digital giant in an age where electronics have never consumed more of our lives than before.
By Christmas, six trial stores across with the UK but mostly in London will receive the new store face-lift which features free Wi-Fi, voice-activated computer systems for ordering goods, iPads, and digital screens displaying adverts of all the latest best deals. Representatives of Argos have said that this investment is to increase the efficiency of their services and give them a look that correlates to this day in time.
Though, one has to ask themselves in terms of bringing in revenue, is going down this cyber route the right option. It's been made apparent that 90% of all of Argos' sales have come from these so-called 'out of date' stores. Argos have held numerous customer surveys and it is apparent that many consumers prefer going to pick up their item as opposed to waiting after ordering it online.
Lets think about the overall impact on society, yes we're going to receive what we have bought quicker and the new store experience is easier on the eye but in terms of structural employment, this can only have negative connotations. Argos have said that there will be workers in stores operating iPads to help customers with making purchases but with the intent to push efforts towards their digital appeal, less shop floor workers will be required.
Another reason why this may not be entirely good is say if you buy a piece of furniture and the promised packet of spare screws has not come with the packaging, if the new system came into affect across the country, you'd have to send back the item to an Argos Warehouse which is not only a waste of money but an unnecessary added strain on our diminishing fossil fuel supplies. Consumers are unknowingly being put at a disadvantage under the distraction of new gadgets and gizmo's.
Argos have had increasing profits continually year after year so I ask John Walden, its chief executive... If it's not broken, Why fix it?
3 comments:
As always, an interesting post, Kenneth. Your evaluation is superb, making it very clear that you think that this is the wrong direction for them.
Two "pokes in the eye" : To affect is the verb, you have used it as a noun ; and, I'm not sure about the link to structural unemployment. Please explain.
Their new plan suggets that customers would order items on iPads and await them in a home delivery service. The iPad in turn gets rid of those workers who would process these orders and distribute the items in stores.
They are benefitting from there being a pool of young, jobless graduates out there who can use & exaplin the technology
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