Argos Goes Posh
HAMPSTEAD liberals will no doubt be sneering into their organic handmade Peruvian muesli this morning on learning that Argos, the chain of choice of the great unwashed, is planning to go upwardly mobile.
Having cornered the market in sovereign rings and cheap electricals, the chain now has its eye on the middle class John Lewis market. Swanky new Gaggia espresso machines and Dualit toasters grace the new Argos catalogue as the company looks to bring in the bourgeoisie.
However, according to the store’s chief executive, Sara Weller, the chain is not about to dump its traditional clientele. Says she: “We are not giving up our value heritage but believe we can do a good job at the top end of the market as well. In the past we haven’t had the product range for customers who have a bit more money to spend.”
On average, 17 million British households, around two-third of the population, have an Argos catalogue at home.
Expect to see these heavy tomes nestling between copies of the Guardian and guides to buying property in Tuscany.
Posted: 30th, July 2007 | In: Money Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
