Argos is getting a makeover - but can it attract new shoppers?

ByDaniel ThomasBBC NewsPublished4 hours agoDo you still shop at Argos? And if so, what do you think of it?

The chain has been a fixture of the British High Street for more than 50 years and is still used by around half of all UK households.

But it has struggled to thrive in recent years amid fierce competition from online giants like Amazon, with sales stagnating.

Its owner Sainsbury's recently announced it was selling the chain for a lot less than it paid for it just 10 years ago.

But the new owners say they see "real opportunities" for growth, including opening new standalone shops. Can they succeed where Sainsbury's did not?

When the BBC spoke to shoppers in central London this week, the retailer seemed to divide opinion.

Some, like Enrico, 28, said they loved the convenience of same-day collection, and felt nostalgic towards a brand which unlocked fond childhood memories.

"It was a great way of doing your Christmas shopping," he told the BBC. "We'd go into our local Argos and we'd get the massive print catalogue."

For others, though, Argos has not moved with the times and is at odds with the seemingly endless online choice.

"I feel Amazon is a lot easier because it gets delivered straight to your door with Prime," said Emily, 22, adding that she only used Argos to buy appliances, not "day to day" items.

Jack Cunningham, 26, from Kent often uses Argos to pick up things when he's at work in London.

The scientist said the big draw was convenience: "If I need something in the moment and can't wait for delivery, normally I'll get it in Argos.