Adventures at Argos

[sessifet]

We ordered a few things at Argos which weren't available at the local store, but they were available at the one within spitting distance of my work. We agreed I'd pick up the stuff after work.

I didn't quite realise how much we got and to how many bulky boxes it amounted (six in total), but I assumed I'd be able to get some help or perhaps use a trolley to get all the stuff to the car if it turned out to be needed.

I was wrong. So very very wrong:

Me: *sees the stack of boxes*
Brain: Dude, that's a lot of boxes.
Back: I'm not carrying that.
Arms: Neither are we!
Me: Erm...Do you think it'd be possible to use a trolley to get all this stuff to my car?
Nice Helpful Argos Employee: Oh sure. We've no trolleys, though.
Me: Okay. I'll use one from Asda, then.
Not So Nice Argos Manager: Ah. You can't.
Brain: *is dead from too little sleep and a long working day*
Me: Okay. Er...could I ask for some help getting it to the car then?
Nice Helpful Argos Employee: Sure!
Me: ...
Nice Helpful But Maybe Not The Quickest On The Uptake Argos Employee: ...
Boxes: Please take us home!
Me: Could you please help me carry the boxes to my car?
Nice Helpful Argos Employee Who's Just Switched Her Brain Back On: Ah! Right! Yes! Where's your car?
Me: In the secure carpark.
Not So Nice And Somewhat Annoying Argos Manager: Oh. We can't help you then.
Me: Why not?
Not So Nice And Really Quite Annoying Argos Manager: Security.
Me: ... It's a secure carpark. I pay for access. I'm sure you're allowed in if I'm with you.
Not So Nice And Is this Person For Real Argos Manager: Oh no. It's for our staff security.
Brain: What does she think we're going to do? Mug them?
Arms: Not us! We're tired just from looking at those boxes.
Me: Right. Moving on.
Them: There's a carpark close by.
Me: Yes. It costs 5 quid.
Them: But you can park there all day!
Me: It's 4 PM. The day's nearly gone.
Boxes: Are we there yet?

In the end I trudged up the stairs with the smallest boxes, went back to get the butcher's trolley and had my part of the order rejigged to be collected at the local Argos store, because I honestly dreaded the thought of truding up those stairs again with a granite worktop and a stone ware dinner set.

I get home and speak of my experiences on #afp. I get told Argos deliver. I think I may have been quite loud.

Today I am quite sore. But hey, I shopped at Argos. I'm going native, I am.

Comments

[silly-swordsman.livejournal.com]

I still haven't shopped at Argos, despite living in England since 1999. I decided that I wouldn't until I had figured out how it's supposed to be a good idea to have a mail order catalogue where you have to go to the shop to order and pick your stuff up (okay, so you can phone in, and they do deliver, but that's just an ordinary mail order business - it's the combination with a shop I can't understand).

[random-c.livejournal.com]

Because they don't waste space putting it all out on display, basically they can flog the stuff cheaper than a normal shop, but you don't usually have to wait about for them to deliver it.

[silly-swordsman.livejournal.com]

Okay, so they do have stock in the shops? With any luck, presumably - that's a thick catalogue they have. So they save on shop space, but surely they need more staff to run and get your stuff?

[random-c.livejournal.com]

Some of the things in the catalogue are mail-order only or only in certain shops. But generally if you want a hair dryer, or an inflatable pirate ship, you'll be in luck. It's usually wise to check online or by phone and reserve what you want. I've never seen in the back, but the way it works out the front is that you order what you want and pay and then queue up with your receipt and wait for your number to be called once all your items have appeared on the conveyor belt. I'd imagine they've got one or two people in front handing the stuff and checking receipts, and three or four running about in the back. They're probably oompa loompas.

[hippo22.livejournal.com]

I assume your *work* Argos is my local too?

If you want to do this again let me know, be happy to help lug stuff to the car