Argos

This is one of those modern Argos stores. Basically, instead of the big book and the little machine where you punch in numbers, it’s filled with touch screens and staff on hand to operate them for you. It’s a lot like an Apple store when you first walk in. I had to walk out again and take a look at the sign to be sure I was in the right place.
Once I’d gotten over the weirdness of it, a guy came over and asked me what I was looking for. Having already checked the website to see if they had the helium tank I was after and choosing that store because they did, I already knew what I wanted and what the catalog number was. But the guy didn’t seem to want to listen and searched for the product himself, which left me feeling a bit irritated. What, am I not capable of using the shiny new tech?!
Anyway, once we’d ascertained that the tank I knew was in stock was indeed in stock, he placed the order for me, took my name and sent me to the till to pay and collect my order. When I got there, the guy asked for my name, then asked to see ID because in this shop I look five years younger than I am (I pretend rage here but I was stupidly flattered) and then after I paid he told me to wait because it’d be a while.
Approximately 30 seconds later, I had a helium tank thrust at me. Time moves strangely in this place. Anyway, I had to ask for a bag because I wasn’t given one and then was promptly ignored as I now had my item.
If you like having everything done for you, this place is ideal. If you know how an Argos works and don’t feel like you’re incapable of looking up an item on a screen, go somewhere else.

This is a good spot for housewares. It’s not so much a store, but a real-​life, real-​time web-​like shopping experience.
You enter the lobby, look up what you want via kiosk or printed catalog, then pay and place your order. There’s no shopping floor, just a counter and a warehouse in the back. After a few minutes, your stuff arrives at the counter and off you go.
I wouldn’t buy clothes or anything really you’d want to see before making a buying decision. But if you know what you want, they have a decent selection and prices. As an example, I just moved here and needed:
— an iron
— hangers
— extra large towels
— an alarm clock
— cups
This random list might have required walking to and through several different traditional stores, but I pulled it all together in 5 minutes. You can also order online and have stuff shipped.