Is Argos open? Coronavirus lockdown opening times and advice
ARGOS stores are closed due to the third lockdown - but customers can still shop online.
Customers can either pay for home delivery or click and collect from certain stores across the UK.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
It comes as England is in the middle of a coronavirus lockdown that could last until the end of March.
But in order for lockdown to be lifted within "months" and life to return to normal, England's Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty has told Brits they must follow the rules first.
Tougher lockdown restrictions could be introduced that ban click and collect shopping everywhere except supermarkets in a bid to tackle the virus.
John Lewis has already suspended the service from its stores, even though regulations haven't changed.
So what are the rules for shopping at Argos right now?
Is Argos open?
Argos stores in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are now closed.
Some stores, including those inside Sainsbury's supermarkets, will stay open for customers to collect an order which you've made and paid for .
You won't be able to make a purchase in store.
When collecting an from selected stores outside Sainsbury's, you'll have to wait outside for the package to be handed to you.
If the lockdown restrictions are tightened and the rules change in future you can find the latest information updated here.
What about Argos stores that are located in Sainsbury's shops?
Supermarkets can remain open during the lockdown because they sell essential items, such as food and other important items like loo roll.
But Argos shops located within Sainsbury's stores are closed, except if you're picking up an order which you've made and paid for .
In other words, you can't make a purchase in these Argos stores either.
Again, if there are any changes to the rules we'll keep you updated here.
How can I return something?
If you don't want to go to an Argos shop in a Sainsbury's store, or you 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.
You can return purchases made from October 18 2020 up to 30 days from when non-essential stores are allowed to re-open.
The usual returns rules apply, for instance, you'll have to have a receipt or proof of purchase.
You can also return your items to an Argos store within a Sainsbury's supermarket.
However, some stores will not be taking returns, which you can
How do I click and collect at Argos in lockdown?
With click and collect, you buy the item online and choose the click and collect option at the checkout.
In England, Scotland and Wales, you can collect your purchase from an Argos store or from an Argos store in a Sainsbury's supermarket.
In Northern Ireland, you can only collect orders from Argos stores in Sainsbury's.
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 seven 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 and get it delivered to your 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 .
Delivery 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 delivery items installed too, but only washing machines, washer dryers, dishwashers and freestanding cookers.
The usual 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.
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