A little About Argos and their History
Owned by GUS plc and part of the Argos Retail Group, Argos now has over 600 stores throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland, as well as distribution centres, call centres and its head office in Milton Keynes, employing over 23,000 people in total. Over the next three years, 95% of the GB population now live within 10 miles of an Argos store.
Shopping online at Argos has it's benefits. Regular offers, promotions and vouchers, a range of over 22,000 products in 13 different categories and over 4000 products online, not available in store.
There is an Argos catalogue in more than two-thirds of UK households and an Argos store within 10 miles of 98% of the UK population.
Argos sells more toys and Christmas gifts in the UK than any other retailer.
The History
The original Green Shield Stamps 'catalogue' shops were rebranded Argos beginning in July 1973.
Argos launched in July 1973 with 1000 members of staff, taking £1,000,000 during a week in November. Argos was purchased by BAT Industries in 1979 for a deal worth £32 million. The following year, Argos opened their Elizabeth Duke jewellery counter, and by 1982 were the UK's 4th biggest jewellery retailer.
1990 saw Argos demerging from BAT to form Argos plc and the launch of Argos Direct, the home delivery arm. 2000 saw another re-organisation for Argos with the Argos Retail Group being formed following the purchase of the business by GUS plc, the introduction of white goods to the Argos Direct arm of the business and the Argos Card being launched.
On 14 September 2006 Argos Retail Group changed its name to Home Retail Group, to reflect upon the fact that they are now the leading home and general merchandise retailer in the United Kingdom.
If you are looking for a career with Argos, then you require http://www.ArgosCareers.com which is the dedicated careers site that provides information about working at Argos as well as current vacancies.
In the financial year April 2003– March 2004, Argos had sales of over £3 billion. Argos was acquired by GUS plc in 1998, and has its head office at the HRG Retail Centre of Excellence in Milton Keynes.
Argos is part of the Home Retail Group division of GUS, which also includes the Homebase DIY retailer. Argos used to own Argos Additions, but this is now owned by the Shop Direct Group and is known as Additions Direct.
In June 2005, Argos purchased the Index brand from Littlewoods but are not currently using it. They also purchased 33 former Index stores which were converted into Argos stores.
The Home Retail Group is in the process of being demerged from GUS plc, a process due to be completed in October 2006. The other remaining company of GUS, Experian, is going to handle the financial services that were previously GUS plc's responsibility.
KEY DATES can be found in the Milestones and memories - Argos pdf file: Click here to download
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