Argos catalogue products

Argos is a pioneering British retail brand that revolutionized the shopping experience through its catalog-based model. Founded in 1973 by Richard Tompkins, who had previously created Green Shield Stamps, the brand allows customers to browse extensive catalogs and collect goods from local warehouses. The brand has a long history of serving the UK and Irish markets with a vast range of products including electronics, toys, and home goods.

Over the decades, Argos has undergone several high-profile ownership changes. It was part of GUS plc (Great Universal Stores) for many years before being demerged into the Home Retail Group. In a significant move in 2016, the brand was acquired by the supermarket giant Sainsbury's. This acquisition led to the integration of Argos stores into Sainsbury's supermarkets, shifting the business model from standalone high-street shops to shop-in-shop formats.

Today, Argos serves as a key digital retail pillar for J Sainsbury plc. While the brand remains quintessentially British, its supply chain is global. Products sold under Argos's various own-brand labels (such as Bush, Habitat, and Chad Valley) are manufactured in various international locations, including East Asia and Europe, depending on the specific product category, while distribution and management remain centralized in the United Kingdom.