Argos has decided to stop printing its iconic catalogue after almost 50 years due to the ongoing shift towards online shopping.
The bi-annual catalogue was launched in 1972 with over 1bn copies having been printed since then. However, with online shopping offering greater convenience than flicking through a huge catalogue, the numbers of copies produced has been falling in recent years.
Simon Roberts, Chief Executive of Argos’ parent company Sainsbury’s, said: “As most customers are now browsing and ordering online, we have decided that the time is right to stop printing the Argos catalogue.
“Removing the printed catalogue helps us to flex our range and offers and to be more competitive on price.”
Argos said it would continue to produce its Christmas Gift Guide, which will be available in all stores this year.
NAM Implications:
- This has to result in a significant cost reduction for Argos.
- Apart from adding greater flexibility and shorter lead-times to its offering adjustments.
- Proactive NAMs will have already anticipated the inevitable and incorporated this within their strategies.
