The digital makeover of catalogue chain Argos showed early signs of progress after strong trading figures for the peak Christmas period.
Owner Home Retail Group said internet sales now accounted for 42% of all Argos business as more shoppers took advantage of the chain’s new tablet and smartphone apps, as well as click-and-collect services.
Argos like-for-like sales rose 2.7% in the 18 weeks to January 5, meaning Home Retail’s profits for the year to March will be £10 million ahead of City forecasts of £73m.
The Argos business took a total of £1.74 billion over the 18-week period, a rise of 1.6% when store closures are accounted for. Consumer electronics, particularly tablet computers, drove the improvement.
The Homebase division saw total sales decline by 4.5% to £453 million, including a fall of 3.9% on a like-for-like basis.
