Internet killed the Argos store

Argos, a retail group which has been almost an institution in our family – as in ‘sure you’ll get that cheaper in Argos’ – revealed it’s closing all 34 of its outlets in Ireland by the end of June, resulting in a loss of 580 jobs, some of which will affect local Rossies.

A staple of any Irish family (and it was voted ‘most-looted shop in Britain, 2011’ – probably because it stocks everything) you could say that Argos has reached cult status.

Memorable for its inexpensive jewellery – remember the cheesy, yet obligatory Elizabeth Duke clown necklace of the ‘80s – and the miniscule in-store pens provided so shoppers could jot down their order numbers for the cashier, Argos is now sadly, no more (as of this June). In fact those little pens and order slips haven’t been a feature of Argos for a long time, this following its decision to scrap their physical A to Z flip-through catalogue in favour of online browsing.

Yes folks, it’s been a while since I’ve sat on the sofa, catalogue in hand, precariously balanced cup of coffee on the armrest, as I leafed through thousands of glossy pages circling ‘stuff’ and ‘thingamajigs’ I didn’t need, but wanted anyway!

Mind you, the demise of Argos won’t affect the younger smartphone-browsing-generation who’ll fail to see the significance of the annual Christmas ‘book of dreams’ that you handed your kids to make their ‘Santy list’ – and, in my case, to keep the little darlings quiet for an hour or two.

Farewell Argos, no more will we hit you up for our electrical items, bikes, garden sheds, TVs, and everything else a good Irish home needs. Your absence as an employer (and my thoughts are with those losing their jobs), and as a supplier, will be felt nationwide.