Argos to close 75 stores in internet push As the chain tries to counter competition and capitalise on internet sales, Home Retail said Argos will develop its online, mobile and tablet channels to be the primary outlet for communicating with customers. "Stores and catalogues will remain important but their roles will be adapted in order to support a digital offer," the business added. Stores will be focused on collecting products and customer service for sales that will increasingly be managed online or through mobile. Argos shops will also have more web-based browsers in place of catalogues and a fast-track collection service for goods purchased online. Home Retail said that Argos' catalogue will move to a "supporting role," with circulation reducing as customers increasingly use digital channels. In January next year, the first regional trial will be conducted to test a smaller catalogue with a more heavily edited range that directs customers online for the latest prices and the full range, Home Retail said. "The transformation plan aims to deliver growth by repositioning Argos as a digitally-led business from a catalogue-led business, leading the market growth of digital commerce through online, mobile and tablet, and offering customers more products with the fastest, most convenient fulfilment options," said Terry Duddy, Home Retail chief executive. This plan provides the right approach for Argos to achieve a long-term sustainable performance and profit recovery. Sales at Argos during the 26 weeks to 1 September were flat at £1.68bn. Homebase sales slipped to £787m compared to £839.6m. Home Retail Group posted total sales for the period of £2.53bn compared to £2.57bn last time. Pre-tax profits for the period were £51.1m, up from £29.4m last year.