Argos making major change to how customers shop in next 12 months

Argos is set to make a huge change to what they offer customers within the next 12 months. The retailer, which stocks a wide range of goods from toys, furniture and electronics, is set to expand thanks to a new marketplace.

It will go live within the next 12 months, according to reports. The marketplace will initially launch with a curated range of partners in existing and complementary categories to what they already sell. Argos will offer “an even wide range of products” thanks to the change.

Retail Week reports that the marketplace will make better use of Argos’ technology and supply chain. Currently, the company is the third most visited retail website in the UK, according to Sainsbury’s.

The marketplace will reportedly form part of Argos’ transformation plan, which is being led by Sainsbury’s chief strategy office and Argos managing director Graham Biggart.

Back in 2024, Sainsbury’s outlined their three-year strategy, which included building on Argos’ strengths. They want to carry on Argos’ convenience, value and spend through improving its ranges.

Mr Biggart told the publication: “Introducing a marketplace within the next year marks an exciting next step in Argos’ multi‑year transformation. It reflects what we know customers want – more choice, more convenience and more reasons to shop with confidence.”

He added: “With over one billion visits to our website each year and a brand built on value, trust and quality, we see a real opportunity to offer an even wider range of products that complement our core ranges and the highly valued suppliers we work with today.”

A marketplace is either a physical or digital platform where third-party buyers and sellers can sell goods, with other popular marketplaces being Amazon, eBay and Etsy.

Sainsbury’s bought Argos in 2016 for more than £1billion, with the retailer becoming a common sight inside the large supermarkets. In September last year, Sainsbury’s was in talks to sell off Argos to one of China’s biggest retailers, JD.com.

Yet, after just 24 hours, Sainsbury’s announced the deal was off. Argos has remained with Sainsbury’s and is the second largest general merchandise retailer in the UK, behind Tesco.

There are almost 200 Argos stores in the UK and more than 1,100 collection points, which are mostly in Sainsbury’s stores.

The Daily Express has contacted Sainsbury’s for comment.