Business / Argos extends delivery of large items to Scottish islands
ARGOS says it is now offering delivery of large items to “over 98 per cent of residents” on the main Scottish islands – including Shetland – at prices that match the rest of the UK.
Argos said customers can have items delivered on a day of their choice, while drivers should also be able to take products to specific rooms where feasible.
The service is a trial which launched earlier this week.
Head of supply chain and logistics strategy at parent company Sainsbury’s Laurence Garnett said: “Argos is committed to delivering convenience and flexibility for customers alongside outstanding choice and value.
“It’s our mission to make their lives easier and this trial will mean that whether shoppers are in Shetland or the Western Isles, they can choose from around 20,000 products and get them delivered quickly and conveniently.
“We’ll be listening closely to customer and colleague feedback over the next few months.”
Deliveries of large Argos items to Shetland have historically been carried out in conjunction with local companies, most recently J.W. Gray & Co, but this had stopped.
Many retailers do not deliver large items to the islands, or if they do then they may be at an inflated cost.
It comes after a new website was launched by the Scottish Government which allows people to enter their postcode to compare courier charges for parcel sizes.
Folk can also find out whether some UK retailers deliver to their area.
Business minister Jamie Hepburn said: “This website shines a spotlight on delivery charges, making it easier for everyone – particularly those in our rural, island and remote communities – to find the best deal and encourage companies to review their pricing.”
Northern Isles MP Alistair Carmichael, meanwhile, recently suggested that changes to taxation could be one way to incentivise “better behaviour” from retailers which do not follow Royal Mail’s obligation for equal delivery charges across the UK.
“Delivery charge inequality affects communities represented by a wide range of parties, from Moray to Unst to Belfast,” he said.
“If the chancellor believes in levelling up all parts of the country then he can support it by using any online sales tax change to push retailers for fairer delivery charges.”
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