Argos corporate news

Argos wins excellence award for its supply chain operation

08 December 2004

Argos has beaten IDIS, Dentsply International and Marks & Spencer to win the 'Retail & Distribution' category in the Supply Chain Excellence Awards 2004.

The judges were 'highly impressed' by Argos and found: "a supply chain very much wedded to the business strategy of choice, low prices and convenience" which "is very tightly integrated across the business".

Organised by Logistics Europe magazine, the awards are now in their eighth year and are the most comprehensive examination of the most innovative and adaptive supply chain operations in Europe.

Around 250 companies entered, before being whittled down to just 27, with four or five shortlisted in each category. Each shortlisted company was then assessed by a team of expert judges who spent a day in each organisation, gathering evidence and talking to team members.

Argos supply chain director, Steve Melton, who attended the awards ceremony on November 18, said: "We have made tremendous progress over the past few years in improving the performance of our supply chain - getting products from our suppliers through to our customers at the right place and time in the most cost effective way. This award is a terrific accolade and recognises the progress we have made so far in an area that brings plenty of challenges."

Argos also came third in the 'Overall Winner' category, won by Dell and in second place Rexam, but beating the other sector winners: NHS Logistics, GlaxoSmithKline and Coca-Cola Enterprises. Judges said: "Argos deserved credit for achievement in a more complex multi-channel environment than that of Coca-Cola."