Multichannel development and operations manager, Argos

David Tarbuck

David Tarbuck looks after the development and operation of Argos’ website, and has worked at Argos for over 10 years. The site receives 400 million visits a year, and with online sales accounting for 36% of turnover, it’s a crucial role at a time when the business’ like-for-like sales have been slipping.

Terry Duddy, chief executive of Argos owner Home Retail Group, has provided support for the multichannel strategy at Argos after an internal review this year. He has said that to compete against the likes of Amazon and Tesco, Argos needs to continue to utilise its stores to offer multichannel services.

Duddy wants the business to provide a broader range of products to a bigger customer base. And this is where Tarbuck’s power lies, as recent and future multichannel developments that the website supports, launched with the assistance of Tarbuck, should help to achieve this.

Argos’ successful iPhone application, which Tarbuck was involved with launching, will be complemented by Android and iPad apps before the end of the year. The iPhone app has been downloaded 1.3 million times and mobile drives about 4% of Argos sales.

The site has also introduced more internet-only lines, and is experimenting with white-label propositions to extend its product range, books being the first. Customers can also watch programmes from Argos’ digital TV shopping channel online too.

Highlights of the last 12 months include several award wins for Argos’ Shutl 90-minute home delivery service – including at the BT Retail Week Technology Awards and the Ligentia Retail Week Supply Chain Awards.