UK Edition
'Digital trial' could spell the end of the Argos catalogue
The Argos catalogue could soon be consigned to history as the store is conducting a digital only trial to "test demand".
It has emerged that the traditional glossy catalogues have been quietly removed from a number of Argos stores as increasing numbers of consumers choose to shop online.
If the trial shows that customers are not missing the glossy catalogues, Argos could decide to pull them from every store in the UK.
These days most Argos stores are fitted with tablet computers which customers can use to place orders, while glossy paper catalogues are also available for customers to browse and take home.
Argos publishes catalogues twice a year (a spring/summer edition in January and an autumn/winter edition in July), which containing photographs of items, brief descriptions, prices and a catalogue number.
It comes in the wake of news that the Yellow Pages, the iconic homeowners' bible which has for decades been a trusty fixture on the telephone tables of every home in Britain for 50 years, will cease printing from next year.
The end of the business directory's paper-era, and its subsequent move to a digital-only service, was confirmed last week by its parent company Yell.
Two Argos stores in Inverness partaking in the experiment, which is designed to "test demand" by seeing if customers miss the magazines.
However the move appears to be angering customers already, with one describing the lack of Argos catalogues at her local branch as "astonishing".
She said: "Do you even realise how many hours of peace and quiet that catalogue gives to parents of young children who sit flicking through the toy section?"
Speaking to BBC Scotland online, she said: "I love the Argos catalogue. It's great for browsing and getting inspiration, and the kids love it especially at Christmas.
"I wouldn't even mind paying a couple of quid for one."