Argos set to ride success with 15 more stores

CATALOGUE shopping store Argos, which has established a huge presence in Ireland, is planning to open 15 more stores over the next three years.

The group has indicated that Cork may be in line for a second, and possibly even a third, Argos shop under the €20 million expansion plan.

Towns likely to find themselves in the grip of Argos catalogue fever for the first time include Drogheda, Dundalk, Naas, Cavan, Sligo, Castlebar, Newbridge, Clonmel, Wexford, Letterkenny, Bray and Mullingar.

Estate agents Lambert Smith Hampton has already been appointed to scout for possible sites for Argos stores.

The agent indicated that the Dublin market for Argos was at saturation point, but said Galway could support a second one. Cork could also see a second, and even a third Argos shop , a spokesman said.

The UK-based retailer does not display its full range of products at its stores, but operates a catalogue arrangement, whereby customers browse a colour brochure and order at a desk using a special number.

The success of the method is down to the widespread distribution of the catalogue (48 million published each year) and the fact that warehouse space takes precedence over rented prime retail space.

This also allows Argos to boast keen prices on its range of goods, from garden furniture, to jewellery and electrical items.

It has also proven particularly popular for children’s toys.

Argos is owned by GUS, which also owns DIY company Homebase.

The catalogue store claims sales of over £2 billion annually but does not publish its Irish revenues.

GUS posted group sales of £6.5 billion (€9.1 billion) last year.