Homebase and Argos parent Home Retail Group has teamed up with the UK's second largest grocer Sainsbury's to open 10 new Argos digital stores within existing Sainsbury's supermarkets.
The new format Argos digital stores will boast more than 20,000 non-grocery products, which customers can either buy instantly in store via tablets, or reserve online for collection within hours, the same or the following day. An extended range of around 40,000 products can also be ordered in store for home delivery.

The Argos digital stores in Sainsbury's will range in size from around 1,000sq ft to over 5,000sq ft are set to open this summer.

The move aims to create a "compelling and complementary product offer" and enhance the convenience that customers are increasingly looking for from their local supermarket.

Home Retail Group chief executive John Walden said: "Our new distribution model allows us to provide customers in any Argos location with a choice of around 20,000 lines within hours, regardless of the size or stocking capacity of the store. This strategic capability has opened up options for a variety of new Argos stores and formats, and the possibility that we can now cost-effectively reach more customers and neighbourhoods with an Argos presence. I look forward to the results of the 10 store programme with Sainsbury's and to understanding the full potential of this exciting opportunity."

Sainsbury's chief executive Mike Coupe said: "These 10 Argos stores will complement our supermarket offer, giving customers the opportunity to shop for an extended range of non-food items. They will bring something new and different to our customers, and fit well with our strategy of making our supermarkets more convenient. As well as looking at carefully selected partners, we continue to roll out our ranges of own brand clothing and general merchandise in our supermarkets to give customers even more choice and value."