General merchandise giant Argos has launched what it describes as an updated version of its traditional catalogue.

Argos 'Your Catalogue'

Source: Argos

Argos has played on nostalgia for the launch of a ‘Your Catalogue’ in-app feature

Argos said the in-app feature, called ‘Your Catalogue’, “reimagines the beloved classic print catalogue into a modern, digital-first browsing experience tailored to contemporary shoppers”.

It is designed to cater to increasing consumer demand for “editorial style inspiration and open-ended product discovery” rather than a purely transactional experience. 

The retailer said: “Tapping into the retro nostalgia of the original Argos catalogue, the feature is a modern digital evolution, offering constantly updated, real-time inspiration based on individual browsing patterns.”

The retailer said that shoppers are able to recreate the old experience of circling their favourite items, enabling them to save products, put together wishlists, and create mood boards for future use.

The feature went live on Wednesday. The Argos app accounts for approximately 30% of digital sales, and later this year the retailer intends to launch a marketplace. 

Argos, which is owned by grocer Sainsbury’s, is in the midst of a transformation programme led by managing director Graham Biggart. It has recently suffered lacklustre trading in a tough consumer environment. While volumes rose in the first quarter of the financial year, sales edged down 0.5%.

Last year Sainsbury’s briefly held talks about the sale of Argos to Chinese ecommerce giant JD.com, which subsequently launched its competitor Joybuy business in the UK. 

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