BSkyB rocked as Woolworths and Argos exit shopping service

by Staff,, Brand Republic 21-Jan-02, 08:46

LONDON - BSkyB has been rocked by the departure of Woolworths and Argos, its two biggest interactive retailers, from its flagship interactive shopping service.

The two are set to part company with Sky at the end of January, having been among the original band of retailers who signed up for what was then known as Open but later operated under the British Interactive Broadcasting or BIB name.

Argos, part of the Great Universal Stores group, is reported to be pulling out as part of a rethink of its interactive selling strategy. Argos, which last week reported record Christmas sales, has enjoyed limited success with its online operations.

Woolworths, on the other hand, is thought to be pulling out due to pure cost-cutting reasons. According to a report in the Independent on Sunday, Woolworths found BIB too expensive.

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