Catalogue store group Argos is promoting impulse purchases of its Value range to customers queuing at its tills.

New display stands have been introduced at queue points in more than 400 stores and have been heavily merchandised with Argos Value-branded household products.

The tactic is a departure from Argos’s usual practice, when only a few products such as batteries and TV leads were placed at tills for customers to pick up. Observers believe Argos is aiming to generate significant add-on sales through the initiative.

An Argos spokeswoman said: “Depending on the size and format of the store, the extent of the lines available for easy pick-up next to the till varies.

“We are now including appropriate value items, seasonal lines and clearance lines to make the shopping experience even easier for customers where the format of the stores allows it.”

Argos launched its Value range, which is also available through its catalogue and online, at the beginning of this year. Since then, it has been expanded from just over 80 to 150 products.

The offer includes bedding, bathroom and dining products, kitchenware, lighting and a broad selection of core electrical equipment. The spokeswoman said that Argos reviews the range -constantly with a view to extending it.

Display stands have been supplied by Tensator and are designed to be adjusted by store staff so they can easily be changed to accommodate -different products and extended for peak trading periods. Tensator has also trained between 50 and 60 Argos regional managers on how to adjust the equipment, as well as store staff.