Fresh plans revealed for an Argos store in Rustington

Argos is now recruiting staff for the Rustington outlet, which will be within the main floorspace of Sainsbury’s.

Customers will be able to either buy instantly in the store, using tablet computers, or to reserve online at home and collect there within hours.

John Walden, chief executive of Argos’ parent company, Home Retail Group, said: “Our new distribution model allows us to provide customers in any Argos location with a choice of around 20,000 lines within hours, regardless of the size or stocking capacity of the store.

“This strategic capability has opened up options for a variety of new Argos stores and formats, and the possibility that we can now cost-effectively reach more customers and neighbourhoods with an Argos presence. I look forward to the results of the ten store programme with Sainsbury’s and to understanding the full potential of this exciting opportunity.”

The retailer has applied to Arun District Council for planning permission for signs advertising the new Argos on external walls and the entrances to Sainsbury’s, in New Road, and the new store is expected to open in the summer.

With Waitrose due to open soon in the former Co-op in the centre of Rustington and Marks & Spencer and, possibly, Next, waiting in the wings for units on new retail sites proposed just west of Sainsbury’s along the A259, the area is attracting major High Street names.

Mike Coupe, chief executive of Sainsbury’s, said: “These ten Argos stores will complement our supermarket offer, giving customers the opportunity to shop for an extended range of non-food items. They will bring something new and different to our customers, and fit well with our strategy of making our supermarkets more convenient.”

In its advertisement for the new jobs, Argos is offering from £5.26-£6.61 an hour.