Is Argos open? Coronavirus lockdown opening times and advice

THE second lockdown has closed many shops because they are not considered essential under the government’s rules – and that includes Argos.

Shoppers can still go and collect online orders at stores though and get items delivered to their homes, which means Christmas shopping can continue.

You can pick up online orders at Argos stores but you can't shop inside — You can pick up online orders at Argos stores but you can’t shop insideCredit: Getty – Contributor

Is Argos open?

Standalone Argos stores in England are now closed except if you’re picking up an order which you’ve made and paid for online.

You won’t be able to make a purchase in store or return any items you’ve purchased previously or online.

And when collecting an online order at the store, you will have to wait outside for the package to be handed to you.

Argos stores in Wales are closed until November 9.

Stores in Scotland and Northern Ireland remain open.

What about Argos stores that are in Sainsbury’s?

Supermarkets can remain open during the lockdown because they are considered an essential shop under the rules, providing people with food and other important items like loo roll.

So what does that mean for Argos concessions in Sainsbury’s stores?

Argos shops in Sainsbury’s are also closed, except if you’re picking up an order which you’ve made and paid for online.

So that means you can’t make a purchase in these Argos stores.

You can return items here, unlike at standalone Argos stores.

How can I return something?

If you don’t want to go to an Argos in Sainsbury’s or don’t live near one, you shouldn’t miss out on getting your money back.

Argos has extended its returns policies to help people in lockdown.

For purchases made from 18 October onwards you have until 24 January 2021.

The usual returns rules apply, for instance, you’ll have to have a receipt or proof of purchase.

How do I click and collect at Argos in lockdown?

With click and collect you buy the item online and at the checkout choose the click and collect option.

You can choose the store where you want to pick up the item, this can either be an Argos store, in a Sainsbury’s where there’s an Argos or at a collection point.

You’ll get a message telling you when your item is ready to collect which includes an order number and a collection code – keep hold of these as you’ll need to show them when collecting your order.

How to protect yourself while online shopping

GUT FEELING: Stick to popular retailers such as Amazon, Currys and Argos.
If you are looking at less well known sites, trust your instinct. Do not shop anywhere that looks unprofessional, has odd pop-ups or is selling items at prices that seem too good to be true.
FAKE NEWS: Do not reveal any unnecessary personal information. All you need to give is your name, address and payment details.
Avoid clicking on links on emails. Phishing scams can stem from messages that seem legitimate, but send you to bogus sites that collect information to steal your identity.
Instead, type the URL directly into the search bar.
NOT SO SMART: Use your computer instead of your mobile. Most phones do not have anti-virus software, and it is harder to tell whether shortened URLs used on social media are legitimate.
Also, wait until you are home and on a password-protected wifi network as public hotspots do not protect your data. Regularly update your browser to boost your security.
HACKED OFF: Using the same password for every retailer you sign up for may seem like the easy option but it makes hackers’ job easy.
Use complicated passwords, make them different for each site and change them every few months.
ADDRESS IT: Check that the website you are using has HTTPS in the URL, as the “S” indicates that the way your information is being sent is secure. Another sign of a secure site is a small padlock on the screen.

You’ll have up to 7 days to collect it from your chosen store.

If you don’t think you’ll be able to collect it in time, you can extend it (except for Tu clothes orders).

Just go to your account online and look at recent orders and you’ll have the option to do this.

Previously you could pay for an item you ordered for collection when picking it up in store, but this is NOT available at the moment – you need to pay for it online.

How do I get Argos home delivery?

You can shop at Argos online and get it delivered to you home to avoid having to leave the house during lockdown.

You’ll have to set up an account if ordering for the first time but that doesn’t take long and you can find step-by-step instructions here.

Delivery costs for small items costs from £3.95 and you can even get same day fast track delivery on some purchases.

Delivery is more for larger items, starting from £6.95.

And for some large kitchen appliances delivery is free.

You’ll generally pay more if you want the item sooner or if you want to choose the exact time it’s delivered.

If you have to self-isolate you should contact Argos to rearrange your delivery date.

You can get some items you get delivered installed too, but only washing machines, washer dryers, dishwashers and freestanding cookers, the installation service for other items is on hold.

You can also get these items taken away and recycled but again on other items this service is paused.