Argos service is a first for m-commerce

Argos is dialling in to the potential of m-commerce - selling via mobile phones - with the launch of a 'Text & Take Home' service.

The retail technique enables shoppers to check prices, stock availability and reserve goods using the text service on their mobile phones.

The GUS-owned catalogue group is the first high street retailer to launch such a scheme. The service, which went live on Wednesday, was set up by mobile phone provider Vodafone and wireless application provider Scan Mobile.

Argos already operates two similar services - Internet-based Click & Collect and Ring & Reserve for the phone.

Research conducted by Oftel shows that more than 1 billion text messages are sent each month, and the number is rising steadily.

The retailer is also 'working on' an exclusive deal with Vodafone to ensure that its pay-as-you-go phones sold in Argos stores include the Text & Take Home number.