Argos to sweep up Britain’s old mobiles and tablets in new trade-in scheme
UK retailer Argos is to let consumers exchange their mobiles and tablets for in-store credit as part of new recycling scheme.
While cash for gadget schemes operate in the UK, the majority are online entities requiring consumers to post their items before receiving a quote.
Argos on the other hand has promised to provide on-the-spot quotes for items at its 788 UK stores. The outlet, in conjunction with circular economy firm WRAP, will pay for and refurbish the mobiles and tablets.
Amy Whidburn, head of corporate responsibility at Argos, said: “As a leading technology retailer we know that our customers are looking for solutions to responsibly dispose of unwanted gadgets when they replace or trade-up devices.
"Our new scheme in conjunction with WRAP offers them a safe way to do this, in a really convenient location on their local high street or retail park, with the added benefit of receiving a gift card in return immediately.
“Depending on the response from customers, we may extend the scheme to include other electrical items in the future, such as camera, sat-navs or laptops.”
Marcus Gover, director of WRAP, added: “We’re delighted to see this type of service become available over Argos store counters. Our research told us consumers have an appetite for trading in and Argos is now providing a convenient and easy way for them to do just that and release the value from their unwanted gadgets.”
The scheme extends the scope of Argos’s profits from the mobile sector. Earlier this month, the UK retailer revealed it is the first to breach £1bn in m-commerce revenue in a year with a 38 per cent growth in sales between February 2014 and 2015.