A NEW digital Argos store, at the Homebase in Swindon Orbital Retail Park, will see 13 jobs created.

The outlet sees shoppers able to shop online, while also being able to meet a friendly face in a physical store, with click and collect services as well as in-store digital ordering available.

Aaron Remnant, Homebase store manager, said: “We have been proud to be a part of the local community since opening in 2003 and it’s really exciting that local people now have access to Argos products from inside our store.

“Customers love the fact they can now get even more products all under one roof.”

Up to 20,000 products – from technology to toys – will be available for same or next day delivery from the new Argos digital store.

Customers can also benefit from new services, such as the ability to browse and pay for goods online at home or on the move, for speedy collection from a Fast Track collection point in the store.

Chris Foote, Argos store manager, said: “It’s been an exciting first week at the store and it’s fantastic that we can bring digital shopping to the people in Swindon.

“We’ve had so many positive comments from new and existing customers about the look of the store and people have enjoyed using the tablets to browse and shop.”

The fully wi-fi-enabled, new ‘paperless’ store has a fresh and contemporary look, with tables of tablets replacing Argos’ traditional laminated catalogues, paper slips and pencils.

Customers can use the tablets to browse for products, videos, photography and customer reviews online, before adding items to their online shopping trolley.

Research commissioned by Argos found that 50 per cent of shoppers surveyed believe that one of the biggest benefits of online shopping is that it offers more choice.

However, 75 per cent revealed that they still shop locally.

The new digital stores equip Argos for the online revolution, as shoppers increasingly browse and buy online via PCs, tablets and other mobile devices, while still wanting the immediacy of a local store to pick up their purchases.

Around 44 per cent of Argos’ total sales now start online. Sales from mobile phones and tablets represent 25 per cent of the total sales.