Tesco to launch catalogue venture

Supermarket giant Tesco is planning to take on rivals such as Argos by launching an in-store catalogue operation, it was reported today.

The venture, which would feature everything from electrical products to furniture, could be rolled out into larger outlets by next spring, according to the Mail on Sunday.

It is the latest initiative in chief executive Sir Terry Leahy’s drive to double sales of non-food items.

Tesco has just completed the trial of internet kiosks in 90 stores, allowing customers to order from a range of goods including electrical equipment, books and clothes, either online or from a dedicated non-food desk.

It is now said to be looking at the potential of a paper catalogue similar to that of Argos.

The UK’s number one supermarket group has seen profits soar on the back of its rapid expansion into areas such as homeware, clothing and electricals, grabbing business from established operators such as WH Smith, Boots and B&Q.

Results for the first half of its financial year showed non-food sales rose by 13% to 2.8 billion.

This included a 17% jump in sales of home entertainment products, a 20% rise in consumer electronics, while clothing sales were up 15% and health and beauty 11%.