Here’s why Argos is scrapping its famous catalogue after nearly 50 years

The famous catalogue will not longer be printed by Argos (Photo: Argos)The famous catalogue will not longer be printed by Argos (Photo: Argos)
The famous catalogue will not longer be printed by Argos (Photo: Argos)

Here’s why Argos is scrapping its famous catalogue after nearly 50 years

The famous Argos catalogue played a role in the childhood of many across the UK, but it has now been announced that the retailer plans to retire the catalogue once and for all, after almost 50 years.

Here’s why Argos has decided to end the catalogue’s run - and how the world has reacted to the news.

Why is Argos stopping its catalogue?

Over one billion copies of the bi-annual Argos catalogue have been printed since its launch in 1973. At the height of its popularity, it was Europe’s most widely printed publication, only beaten by the Bible for being in homes across the UK.

The retailer has explained that the catalogue is being retired as online shopping offers “greater convenience” than flicking through the physical book.

Mark Given, chief marketing officer at Sainsbury’s, which owns 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.

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

Given explained that ending the run of the famous catalogue would “help [Argos] focus on delivering exciting and inspiring digital shopping experiences to meet the changing needs of customers”.

It’s not all bad news, however. Argos said it would continue to produce a physical copy of its Christmas Gift Guide, which will still be available in all of its stores.

Online reaction

As the news made its way to Twitter, users expressed their sadness that the iconic catalogue would be no more.

Book of Dreams

While Argos may not be printing its famous catalogue any longer, you can still revel in the nostalgia by checking out the digitised version of the catalogue, dating back to the very first one in 1974.

The Book of Dreams website allows you to choose specific catalogues to flick through, ranging from 1974 to 2019.