Argos corporate news

Argos opens its 600th store

09 June 2005

Argos opens its 600th store today, 9 June, 2005, at Wexford in the Republic of Ireland, marking a significant milestone for the multi-channel retailer.

Almost 32 years after opening its first stores on July 21, 1973, the 600th store comes just days after Argos announced its plans to extend its store chain to in excess of 750 stores over the next four years, as well as roll out Argos Extra to all stores at the end of July.

Sara Weller, managing director of Argos, said: “Opening our 600th store is a huge milestone for us and just goes to show how much value customers see in our offer. With our recent acquisition of 33 Index stores coupled with our continued investment of opening 35 stores a year, Argos will be on target to have 650 stores by Christmas and be in an even better position to offer even more choice, value and convenience to even more customers.”

Retail director for the ROI, Jeff Fagan, said that he was delighted that the 600th store was in Wexford: “As Argos continues its investment within the Republic of Ireland it’s great that we are able to mark this with the opening of this milestone store. Our plans to expand our presence mean that we will have approximately 40 stores in the country by 2009, and launching Argos Extra at the end of July just goes to show how important it is for us to ensure that our Irish customers really do receive an unrivalled product offering.”

Argos opens its 600th store almost three years since it celebrated its 500th store in Guiseley, West Yorkshire, which opened on 29 August, 2002.

Argos currently employs approximately 23,000 employees across the UK and Republic of Ireland and its Argos Extra catalogue offers customers 4,000 more lines than the main catalogue’s 13,300.