Argos corporate news
Talk about a catalogue!
07 April 2005
Argos has this week released its latest audio CD of its products developed following close work with the National Library for the Blind (NLB). The intention is to produce an audio catalogue of selected lines alongside each regular catalogue launch.
Since the release of the first CD last year Argos has been working with NLB to develop the resource. Argos has welcomed the feedback as it considers the CD an evolving service. The discs contain verbal descriptions of WOW! deals and the most popular lines from the catalogue and the two discs run for 120 minutes and includes help and advice on how to order. The CD cover includes the customer service 'Order from Home' telephone number in Braille.
NLB passed the CD around selected members and gauged the feedback. Comments included: "Excellent resource to get you familiar with Argos" , "good range of contact details included on CD" and "good descriptions of items - made me want to buy!"
"We are always looking for ways in which we can improve our services and accessibility," explained corporate responsibility manager, Laurence Singer. "Argos is committed to making its stores and services accessible to everyone, we take our responsibilities towards visually impaired and disabled people very seriously and we decided that this was a valuable opportunity to inform customers of our services," added Laurence.
Olof Templeman, Sales and Development Manager for the National Library for the Blind, said: "It's extremely encouraging that more and more businesses such as Argos are considering accessibility when developing new services. There are around two million visually impaired people in the UK and businesses are often guilty of information discrimination against them - thinking that as long as their building is accessible then they have catered for the needs of all disabled people. Argos has proven that if a little care is taken whilst devising new products, then these potential customers can also have access to information on goods and services available."
The audio CD is available for use in Argos stores or personal copies can be ordered from customer services by calling 0870 600 3030. Feedback on the quality and content of the CD can be made to Transmedia Link 0870 2410 772.
Last year Argos joined Direct Enquiries - the nationwide disabled access register to make itself even more accessible to disabled people.
Argos already offers a number of facilities to its disabled customers, including induction loops in many stores, magnifying 'glasses' , low level browser units and text phones. As it's one of the UK's leading multi-channel retailers, it also offers all customers the opportunity to shop either in-store or, if more convenient, from home.
