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Argos To Stop Printing Its Famous Catalogue After Nearly 50 Years

Argos To Stop Printing Its Famous Catalogue After Nearly 50 Years

After 47 years, 93 editions and over 1 billion copies, Argos says farewell to bi-annual catalogue

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

Anyone else remember the run-up to Christmas, when you'd get the Argos catalogue placed in front of you, and turning the pages as you went through everything you dreamed of getting from the big man?

Well, that's a thing of the past because after almost half a century, the time has come to say goodbye to the iconic Argos catalogue.

Over the past 47 years there have been 93 editions of the much-loved read, over one billion copies printed and countless customers left with cherished memories of it.

If you remember it like this, you're old.
Argos

Today, Argos has the third largest retail website in the UK - and more than one billion visits each year - meaning customers shopping on smartphones and tablets now account for more than 70 percent of all Argos online sales.

Whether customers choose to access the website and app in store, from home or on the move, they are offered greater convenience than from a printed catalogue.

Using Argos' digital channels, customers will also be better able to access on-trend deals and the latest ranges.

What a sad day.
Shutterstock

Argos is continuing to invest in in-store technology and all Argos stores in the UK will have easy-to-use digital screens by January, which customers can use to browse the catalogue digitally before placing their order.

Not quite the same as sitting in your pyjamas and rifling through the pages in front of the fire though, can you?

Argos will still be producing the iconic Christmas Gift Guide (phew), giving gift inspiration to customers for special Christmas moments, as families get together to circle products they would love to find under the tree.

Mark Given, Chief Marketing Officer at Sainsbury's (who own Argos), said: "Over the decades the Argos catalogue has charted the nation's changing tastes and trends in everything from must-have toys to the latest gadgets and devices. Today, popular products include wireless earphones, gaming consoles and lots and lots of LEGO.

"In 1973, when the catalogue launched it was point-and-shoot cameras and spacehoppers.

"Just as our customers' tastes have changed over the years, so have their shopping habits. We're seeing an increasing shift towards digital shopping, using our mobile app, website and in-store browsers.

"Closing the book on the catalogue will help us focus on delivering exciting and inspiring digital shopping experiences to meet the changing needs of our customers, both in-store and online."

RIP Argos catalogue, we'll never forget you buddy.

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock

Topics: Community, UK