Argos closes Thetford town centre store and relocates to nearby Sainsbury’s
The new Argos store inside Sainsbury's in Thetford opens. Picture: SAINSBURY'S - Credit: Archant
Argos' Thetford town centre store has closed, with the branch relocated to inside a nearby Sainsbury's supermarket.
Argos' old store in Riverside Walk, Thetford. Picture: ANDREW PAPWORTH - Credit: Archant
The firm's new 'digital store' opened in Sainsbury's on Thursday, May 3 and replaced the Riverside Walk store, which closed earlier this week.
No jobs have been lost from the move, with all staff redeployed to the new store.
A spokesman for Sainsbury's said the change was designed to bring extra choice and convenience to customers.
The company added that around half of Argos' total sales now start online, even if 80pc of customers will visit one of 842 stores nationwide to pick up their goods.
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Sainsbury's also acquired the Home Retail Group - which includes Argos and Habitat - last year, with Argos stores elsewhere in the country moving to inside existing Sainsbury's shops.
Tom Niblock, manager at Sainsbury's Thetford store, said: 'Sainsbury's has been a part of the local community for a number of years and we are really thrilled to welcome Argos and its team to our store.
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'The new shop is great for customers, who are looking for easier, more convenient ways to shop.
'We're looking forward to feedback from customers about the increased range and offer.'
The new store contains tablets that people can use to search for products, although staff are still on hand to help.
There is also be an eBay collection point.
The move caused some negative reaction when it came to light earlier this year, as it leaves an empty unit in a key part of the town.
Mike Brown, a business consultant and deputy chairman of the Thetford Business Forum, said: 'I think the high street is under threat, as are most high streets, because of the internet revolution.
'It is moving towards Thetford town centre no longer so much being a retail experience.
'I think it is more of a place to go out for a drink and to eat and watch a film. It is in a stage of transition.'
What do you think of the Argos move? Write, giving your full contact details, to andrew.papworth@archant.co.uk
