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About Argos
Argos is
the UK's largest non-food retail chain, with sales over £3bn.
(Financial year April 2002-March 2003). Argos is the UK number one
retailer for toys and small electrical appliances, and a leading
player in many other markets including DIY and gardening, consumer
electronics and furniture. It also has a significant market share in
jewellery, sports equipment and furniture. Founded in 1973, Argos is
part pf the Argos Retail Group which is owned by GUS plc. (See
www.gusplc.com
for further details, including the annual report on Argos Retail Group
– and GUS plc).
Argos, has over 525 stores throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland
and approximately 98% of the UK population live within 10 miles of an
Argos store. During the next three years Argos is planning to open 35
new stores a year employing an additional 2,000 people. All remaining
small stores are to be refurbished by March 2004. Argos is also
investing £120m over four years in its supply chain. It employs over
23,000 people.
The chain consists of traditional Argos stores, typically 6,000 to
15,000 sq.ft, and 86 large store formats, typically 20,000 to 30,000
sq.ft . There are also several Call and Collect stores, offering the
full Argos range by 'order today – collect tomorrow', in small
catchment areas from units 1,000 to 3,000 sq.ft.
Argos also has an award winning website, an Argos Direct home shopping
division, and the Argos Additions catalogue - offering the latest in
fashion.
Argos offers customers a multi channel approach to shopping, via
stores, through the website and over the telephone, and people can
even reserve goods using their mobile phones through Text &
Take Home.
Since it first started Argos has established a very strong, trusted
brand focused on choice, value and convenience. Argos publishes a
total of 48 million catalogues each year. 36 million of the main
catalogue (with over 950 pages & growing) and 12 million Argos
Additions catalogues (over 700 pages). Two editions are printed for
each, Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter.
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