Argos has warned of store closures, after suffering significant sales declines last year, but it is too early to know if its Irish operations will be affected.

DECLINING sales of consumer electronic equipment over the festive period dragged seasonal sales at catalogue retailer Argos down by nearly 9%.

The owner of Argos blamed the weak consumer electronics market today for another sharp drop in sales at the catalogue retailer.

Catalogue chain Argos scraped a half-year profit of just £3.4 million today after consumers put off buying “big ticket” electronics items.

Argos will be seeking 800 staff to work in its stores across the country during the Christmas season, it was announced today.

The future of up to 30 stores and 720 jobs was put at risk today after the UK side of retail brand Habitat went into administration.

Argos owner Home Retail Group today said annual profits dropped 13% as it revealed the boss of its embattled catalogue chain was stepping down.

The owner of catalogue chain Argos cut profit forecasts today after admitting conditions were "more difficult and volatile" than it had expected.

The owner of the Argos chain said its profits hopes remained intact today after strong demand for laptops and toys helped it overcome “some particularly challenging and volatile” conditions in the run-up to Christmas.

The owner of Argos and DIY chain Homebase announced heavy sales falls for both businesses today.

The owner of Homebase today slashed £542m (€687m) from the value of the struggling DIY chain and warned of the impact of recent financial turmoil on profits.

Soaring profits at retailer Argos helped parent Home Retail Group to deliver better than expected results today.

Continued strong demand for flat panel televisions ensured Argos owner Home Retail Group reported a strong start to its financial year today.

Home Retail Group today unveiled plans to take its Argos brand to India in its first international expansion outside of Europe.

Europe’s largest electricals retailer was under pressure today after its Christmas trading performance led to a sharp fall in its share price.

Retail chains Argos and Homebase were today on course for strong annual profits after their owner took action to offset difficult markets.