The great Argos North - South divide

thecoffeehouse204

So was trying to get an item for my daughters Christmas present from Argos that is currently half price, check all stores within a 50 mile radius and all out of stock, also out of stock for home delivery. Thought no problem popular item due to bargain price.

Then clutching at straws I asked a few of my friends around the uk to check their local stores and got loads of replies saying yes in stock, and in stock for home delivery. When I looked into it nearly all stores south of Birmingham have stock but none in the north :mad: Have enquired about transferring stock from one of these stores to my local one but told it's not possible unless they use the same distribution centre which they don't. So cross that they can't just reallocate some stock to the north but totally impossible they say. Have tweeted them to see if they will be getting any more stock in the north but no reply!

Have also tried asking one of my friends to by the item and courier it to me but due to the size of the box I've yet to find a courier that will do it for less than £30 and I might as well buy it off eBay after paying that.

Anyone else found this to be a problem with Argos?

gettingtheresometime

Haven't really tested the theory but perhaps it's an item that's more popular (for whatever reason) in the North than the South?

MCGONIS

Hi. Have you tried the Argos outlet store on Ebay? Often it has the same stock as the Argos stores.

teddysmum

Their online stock availability is not accurate.


I have twice, recently, checked that our local has stock and gone to collect only to be told that they haven't had stock for ages (so it wasn't case of losing out because I failed to reserve online), but in both cases they were able to order for next day collection.

Helix

teddysmum wrote: »

Their online stock availability is not accurate.


I have twice, recently, checked that our local has stock and gone to collect only to be told that they haven't had stock for ages (so it wasn't case of losing out because I failed to reserve online), but in both cases they were able to order for next day collection.

I think you will find that is because you are not reserving it, they now will transfer stock from larger stores to smaller ones nearby when you reserve. Online it will say instock to collect from 4pm, or first thing the next day. What that actually means is if you reserve it they will transfer it to that store in time for you to collect it. If you just try and turn up and but it without reserving it first they have to order it in at that time.

rtho782

Or, far more plausible, they have two RDCs (Regional Distribution Centres), one for the north, one for the south, and one of them is out of stock.

Therefore, half the stores don't have one.

The-Truth

Just think yourself lucky you're not to the south of Birmingham and trying to afford to buy a house!

thecoffeehouse204

The-Truth wrote: »

Just think yourself lucky you're not to the south of Birmingham and trying to afford to buy a house!

Oh this really made me chuckle as its a Barbie house I'm trying to buy :

Given up on trying to get one now, just still annoyed that they haven't thought to transfer some of the stock to the northern distribution centre almost like we don't exist!

ShaneUK

How far north are you? And how far "south" is the nearest store with stock?

martinsurrey

thecoffeehouse204 wrote: »

Oh this really made me chuckle as its a Barbie house I'm trying to buy :

Given up on trying to get one now, just still annoyed that they haven't thought to transfer some of the stock to the northern distribution centre almost like we don't exist!

Look at it from their point of view, the items are already reduced in price, meaning they wont be making much money on selling them, why would they spend employee time, and delivery costs to send them half way across the country, if they are comfortable that they will sell down South (even if maybe a little bit slower)?

Heliflyguy

Argos :mad:

Didnt deliver in the middle of the afternoon as arranged yesterday, because the driver had gone out of hours?

Maybe he was coming from the northern distribution centre, Im in the South.

Said they would call back, they didnt, called Argos this morning and the next available delivery date is..............January 2nd.

Refund will take up to 5 days