Argos features Habitat products in new catalogue launch

Variety store & home retailer Argos has launched a new catalogue featuring a range by Habitat, which was bought out of administration last year by Argos owner Home Retail Group (HRG).

Available for both home delivery and store pick up, there will 1,000 Habitat products included in the new season collection within the catalogue which also features 43,000 products online and 9,000 new products.

In the spirit of Olympic fever, rap artist 50 Cent has created a specialty line of headphones with Team GB athlete Jessica Ennis for the retailer while pop singer Emma Bunton has a debut childrenswear range and actress Kelly Brook has returned with an exclusive bedding offering.

Last June, HRG acquired the failing business and took control of the brand, brand designs and intellectual property of Habitat in the UK & Ireland while the rest of the company fell into administration due to a decreased demand for big ticket items from cash-strapped consumers.

Speaking at the time, Terry Duddy, CEO of HRG, said: “The style led credentials of the Habitat brand, with its strong heritage, will be a significant addition to the group’s portfolio of own brands.”

The Autumn/Winter 2012 range will be available in selected stores from July 21st 2012 and Argos Managing Director John Walden maintains that Argos will remain a low cost and reliable retailer despite the addition of ‘luxury’ lines.

He commented: “We are very aware that these are difficult times with many still feeling the pinch, so with our new range launch we have focused on great value on daily essentials and the latest must-haves in areas such as technology and toys.

“With an Argos store within 10 miles of 95 per cent of the UK population, and the benefits of Check and Reserve, we are best placed to ensure that customers can get hold of and enjoy their purchases right away.”.

Source: Caroline Barnes, Retail Gazette
http://www.retailgazette.co.uk/articles/32210-habitat-returns-with-argos-range