Argos has become the latest retailer to open a dedicated ‘digital hub’ to spur innovation and entrepreneurialism in the business.

Argos has also appointed Lucy Butler to the new role of special projects manager, reporting to digital director Bertrand Bodson, to accelerate its ambitions to become a leader in digital retail.

The hub, above a store in London’s Victoria, has been opened to attract new talent into Argos.

Digital designers, developers and testers are among the roles the retailer hopes to recruit.

Bodson said: “This is about creating a space for collaboration and innovation. We want to unleash the entrepreneurial spirit I know to be at the heart of our business and which has meant that nearly 50% of our business now originates in a digital channel.

“We want to build on the successes we have already seen with digital initiatives. Building our agile capability is a strong boost to Argos’ transformation plans, allowing us to bring digital solutions to the market faster and in a more timely and relevant way.”

Butler has overseen the opening of the hub, and joined from EMI where she previously worked with Bodson.

Bodson said: I am delighted to be working with Lucy again as I know she will bring considered insight and actionable plans to support the strategic pillars of our digital transformation.”

Retailers are increasingly bolstering digital expertise as multichannel retail grows in importance. Tesco has a hub in London’s Shoreditch and Marks & Spencer created a ‘digital lab’ at its Paddington base.