Argos saw ‘subdued’ furniture sales in the past quarter amid a mixed performance.
Sales at the brand were down by 1.4% in the 16 weeks to 4 January (the accounting period was extended to include 2023 and 2024 Black Friday comparisons); up by 1.1% in the eight-week period and 10.2% higher in the six-week period.
‘Over the quarter, sales were strongest in technology, while the toy market was weak and customer demand in bigger ticket categories including furniture and larger consumer electronics remained subdued,’ it says.
‘Continued improvements to our digital proposition, delivery offers, product and promotions delivered positive traffic trends and sales growth in the key Black Friday and Christmas weeks. However, this was more than offset by the impact on sales and gross margins of subdued customer spending outside these key periods and a highly promotional environment.
‘Customer satisfaction scores have improved in key areas such as appealing promotions, variety of items, product availability and ease of using our website, reflecting actions we have taken to extend the breadth of our range, enhance our digital experience and highlight great value. One in four people in the UK visited the Argos website over Black Friday weekend, a significant increase year on year.’
Image: Habitat
