Ever been sat at home of an afternoon, idly wondering what the best goddamn thing in the world is? Well, I can now give you the definitive answer (and I like to think of myself as something of an authority on these matters): it's Argos.
If you have an A-level in being an ancient Greek, ... Read review
Advantages: It sells everything in the whole world. Disadvantages: You can't see the stuff before you buy it.
...I am referring to is Argos the shop. The obvious downside, as I pointed out in the last paragraph, is that it's nothing at all like a Greek dog. It is, though, a shop of magic and wonder, which should be a consolation to all but the most hard-bitten cynics.
Now, I'm going to launch into this epic (see what I did there?) having made a couple of assumptions:
1. You're not stupid.
Bit of a risk, ... ...and mind-numbing detail exactly what Argos is. For one thing, I'm taking a stand against pandering to dull and stodgy people who find their way to Ciao to breed. For another, if you don't already know what Argos is, well, you should be killed.
2. You know how to exercise censorship: if you don't like it, don't read it.
If you're offended by swearing, are a right-wing Christian (I'm not at all sure yet how I'll manage ... more
Ever been sat at home of an afternoon, idly wondering what the best goddamn thing in the world is? Well, I can now give you the definitive answer (and I like to think of myself as something of an authority on these matters): it's Argos.
If you have an A-level in being an ancient Greek, you'll probably be thinking that I'm referring to Odysseus' dog. I'm not, though. And don't even try and read the 'Odyssey'. Man, that is one unrewarding book. All the characters have unpronounceable names and it turns out that you have to have encyclopaedic knowledge of every other Greek myth to get beyond page 3. It's a much better idea, I think, to watch 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?' You'll be finished quicker, too. Even if you're the world's speediest speed reader, the Odyssey still takes 9 years to read.
What I am referring to is Argos the shop. The obvious downside, as I pointed out in the last paragraph, is that it's nothing at all like a Greek dog. It is, though, a shop of magic and wonder, which should be a consolation to all but the most hard-bitten cynics.
Now, I'm going to launch into this epic (see what I did there?) having made a couple of assumptions:
1. You're not stupid.
Bit of a risk, this one; I know. I am not going to explain in sombre tones and mind-numbing detail exactly what Argos is. For one thing, I'm taking a stand against pandering to dull and stodgy people who find their way to Ciao to breed. For another, if you don't already know what Argos is, well, you should be killed.
2. You know how to exercise censorship: if you don't like it, don't read it.
If you're offended by swearing, are a right-wing Christian (I'm not at all sure yet how I'll manage to bait the Jesus-lovers in this particular review, but it's worth issuing a blanket warning), care about facts, or are stupid; best not to read on. Do not, do not, do not tell me why I've offended you. I won't care. If you're in any of those groups your opinion is pretty much meaningless to me.
Still with me? Jolly good. Argos is so amazing that it almost defies definition. I'll give it a go, though. Argos is a mega-big shop that sells everything in the whole world. The basic idea is that you have a catalogue ('the book of the whole world') that you idly flick through when you're bored at work. In the manner of a magpie (if you were a magpie that was quite into furniture, bedding, toys and random household equipment. Hmm. I may perhaps have stretched this analogy further than its limits), your eye will naturally alight on something that your house is currently without. You will then go to your nearest Argos and use a pen designed for midgets (you can't be offended by this, even if you have ignored my warnings and read on. Midgets are ace) to fill in a little slip of paper with a number (this is point A). You take this slip over to the cashier, part with the money and are given a printed receipt in return (point B). You then go and stand at another counter (point C). There's sometimes a bit of a wait at this point but you won't mind, for that will give you time to enjoy the ambience and gaze around at The Shop of Magic and Wonder that Sells Everything in the Whole World (I know, it's almost hard to believe they chose 'Argos' as a name after reading that catchy little moniker of my own devising, isn't it?).
On a day when they're not busy, the stuff will be with you in a couple of minutes. Saturdays and rush times take a bit longer, but the queues in the Belfast branches are rarely really bad: I've never had to wait more than 20 minutes, even on the day before Christmas Eve. Anyway, even if there is a bit of a delay, you won't feel at all aggrieved, because you know the best bit of the whole process is coming: The Conveyor Belt of Magic from the Sky! Yeah!
The Conveyor Belt of Magic from the Sky is a conveyor belt that comes from the sky and is made of magic. It works thusly: you wait until the automated system calls the number printed on your receipt and you hand it over to the staff at point C. They scrawl on it a bit, ask you if you need help carrying it to the car, and then press the Big Red Button at the bottom of The Conveyor Belt of Magic from the Sky. It rumbles into action, and then, as if by magic, your flat pack furniture will appear before your very eyes.
Incidentally, there are those that say that it is not magic; that Argos have large storerooms above the shop and employ minions to fetch the stuff you want and place it on the conveyor belt. This, obviously, is not true. Like I said, Argos sells everything in the whole world. No minion could possibly guess what you wanted and put the right thing out every single time. And yet, the right thing always appears. Thus, it is magic.
Argos is possibly my favourite shop in the whole world. For a start, it's magic, and I do like things that are made out of magic (except Paul Daniels. Man, he lets the side down. He's not even proper magic. And Wizbit was a freakish wee fecker). Secondly, they have everything that you could ever want in mind-blowing supply. On the rare occasions that they've been out of stock of something they've always either had it another store and reserved it for me, or phoned me after a couple of days when it's come back in stock. The staff are generally really nice, and I can always persuade one of them to lug all my stuff out to the car for me. The whole process is quick and relatively hassle-free. Surprisingly, their flat-pack furniture is quite easy to build (although I speak from the strange position of being someone who not only enjoys making flat-pack furniture, but furthermore has her own tool kit). On the one occasion that I had to return an item there were no quibbles whatsoever, and the money was refunded immediately. I have to confess that I was quite disappointed that they didn't place it back on The Conveyor Belt of Magic from the Sky and go through the routine in reverse. You can't have it all, though, I suppose.
All of that said, though, it is wise to go to Argos knowing that they have established much of their reputation on purveying mediocre goods to chavs. You don't have to be a chav to shop there - they don't have bouncers who'll only let you in if you're wearing more Burberry than the human brain can comprehend, or anything - but do bear in mind that this is not the shop to go to if you're used to buying only the finest quality. Most of the goods are grand, but you might find the furniture is slightly wobbly and in need of a bit of additional wood glue, or that the armchair is a bit pokier than you'd have liked. Also remember that you can't see the stuff in a tangible way: only the picture they've put in the catalogue. Therefore, make sure you're very clear about what colour you want, and that you've measured out the dimensions they give.
Lastly, unless your name is Bob 'Chav' McChav, steer clear of the jewellery from Elizabeth Duke at Argos. It will look tacky and crap. Mainly because it's tacky crap. The fact that Goldie Lookin' Chain have referenced it should tell you all you need to know (and don't try and argue that your new bracelet is 'ironic'. Still no).
Just thinking, I seem to have got this far without offending right-wing Christians. Hmm. There's no God! Ha. That'll do it. (Although, if there is a God…erm, sorry about that. I like your beard).
Advantages: wide range of products, convenience, speed of service, shop from home Disadvantages: speed of service, occasionaly limited stock
Argos was formed in 1973, with only 17 stores. It has now expanded to about 650 stores throughout the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Argos is the UK's general retailer of sales with about 3.5 billion last financial year. Argos is owned by GUS (who also own Homebase). They employ over 23,000 people within Argos; this increases dramatically over the Christmas period though.
The aim of Argos is in the next 3 years for 95% of the population ... ...and catalogue number to 07786201201. Argos then replies informing you if the item is in stock. If it is, you can reply to reserve the item. The last way to reserve items is in store, either by phoning directly to the store and talking to a member of staff, or using the automated telephone service. The alternative is reserving items actually in person within the store. These reservations can be for a neighbouring store or the one in situ. The reservation ...
amz84 15.01.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Argos (Shop)
Advantages: good value, free catalogue, friendly staff, great range,speed of service, check and reserve Disadvantages: at christmas it gets hectic!!
...when walking into my local Argos store is the colour everywhere. I remember the days when it was grey and red my lord making it more modern has been a right move. From the Catalogue to the Sales Leaflets to the Signs hanging from the ceiling. Its all very eye catching!!
The main reason people go to Argos is because they have either seen something they want in the catalogue or they want to go and look in the catalogue. Yet they still put up great ... ...For people who use argos regulary there is a store card, which can be used with interest free months the more months the more you spend.
They get deliveries every weekday so stock its constantly rolling in so if you do select an item thats not available you dont normally have to wait long before you can get it.
The Speed of Service is usually very good, but obviously if the customer infront of you needs alot of help then it will be longer than ...
bmthkatie 06.08.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Argos (Shop)
Advantages: Exceptional range of products at relatively good value Disadvantages: Busy times, stores find it difficult to cope, out of stock often
Argos is the largest general-goods retailer in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland with over 700 stores. It's uniqueness is apparent amongst major retailers in the U.K. because simply its method of displaying goods to customers is via a catalogue. Browsing through the Argos catalogue, selecting the items to purchase, paying for the items, and then collecting the items from the in-store collection desk or have the item delivered to their home ... ...Mikomi and many others.
Argos began life as the Green Shields Stamps catalogue which rebranded to Argos in 1973. It started with 1000 employees. In 1979 it was bought by BAT for £32million. By 1980, Elizabeth Duke was born, named after the Director's wife, and became the 4th largest jewellery retailer in the UK.
Its main feature is the catalogue - everthing it sells is in there. They are published twice a year and in 2006 Argos Home was introduced ...
makro74 05.08.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Argos (Shop)
What is your list of the five things that you plan to avoid at all costs in your life?
The Baghdad Marathon maybe, or the selection course for the Marines; perhaps replying to an e-offer of internet dating from Vanessa Feltz, or attending a concert of Black Lace hits sung by a first round reject from X Factor.
Life's twists and turns mess up plans and lay at your door experiences that once encountered, only act of God, dire necessity, and the threat ... ...You may have such experiences already. Watching "Wife Swap" might be one, Another may be that last school reunion.
For me it is Argos. The gods conspire against me - not only do I not want to go there, ever, ever, ever again, but the gods MAKE me go - there is something that they put into the ether that says "YOU MUST G-O-O-O". And no matter how much I resist it, there I am again, facing inwards and looking as I would look with fear into the jaws ...
jerry6525 01.05.2007 (30.04.2007)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Argos (Shop)
Advantages: Too many to mention (see review) Disadvantages: None to speak of
...cheer myself up! Having an Argos Superstore only minutes away, I went on a bit of a mission – I have that child-like mentality you see; if I decide that I want something, then I have to have it that instant! Out came the trusty Argos catalogue…
Now, I remember the days when Argos was seen to be a bit of a bargain shop… a bit cheap and cheerful, if you know what I mean. Well, let me assure you that those days are well and truly gone! With the new ... ...new services – you’re local Argos store may not be quite as you once remembered it to be!
Before I did anything else, I measured my room and then proceeded to flick through the catalogue in search of something suitable… I found a number of different options to suit my needs – amazing really, as I’m not so easily pleased! So, on to the first of their wonderful services…
RING & RESERVE:
If you turn to the back of the catalogue, there is a list of ...
asclepius 24.11.2002
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Argos (Shop)
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Advantages: Get money off your shopping extra points through adams and BP Disadvantages: You have to spend alot to get enough points for money off things
The Sainsburys Nectar Card you can use when you pay for your shopping and earn points to buy things with in Argos and off your shopping you also get coupons through the post for extra points. You can earn points by filling up at Sainsburys petrol station, when buying your shopping at Sainsburys, at Adams and filling up at any BP petrol ststions.
To get money off your shopping or using the points to buy stuff at Argos you have to have at least 500 points on your card which is £2.50 but you have to spend alot of money in Sainsburys or filling up on petrol before you get enough points to buy anything decent from Argos and to get alot of money off your shopping.
The website for the Nectar card is set out well you can apply for a Nectar csrd on the website or instore at your nearest Sainsburys store.
To earn your points it is 2 points ...
giantpanda21 06.03.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Nectar Card
Advantages: Low Price, high quality, petit selection Disadvantages: not much for the larger lady
If you havent been in Argos lately would suggest that you go and take a look at their Additions Catalogue.
If you have been thinking that all their catalogues are the same look again as one is called Additions and it is full of clothes as well as household and furniture.
You will be pleased with the prices of the clothes. They have the latest fashions at nearly half the price of some of the clothes stores in the High Street.
Additions cut right across the age groups with something in it for everyone.
For £10 you can go in and buy a couple of tops, a dress, trousers or even a jacket.
One thing that is not so good is that they do tend to cater for the sizes 8 to 16 and not the larger sizes. But having said that there are not many shops that cater for the size 8 or the more petit amongst us.
All in all it is definately ...
Advantages: Over 100 retail outlets , All under one roof, Free car parking spaces Disadvantages: none
floor, but it has got a second floor in the middle. Although some shops do have 2 floors.
The ground floor has got all the shops (over 100 retail outlets), big names such as BHS, Boots, HMV, Next, Debenhams, Argos. There are all varieties of shops, inc Clothes, Shoes, Sports, Jewellery, Travel Agents, Music, Opticians. Then upstairs is mainly the food section, these include McDonalds, KFC, Ainsleys, a chinese place. Also upstairs there is the Leeds Utd Retail Shop (my favourite shop), and a hairdressers.
I come to this shopping centre almost every week, as it is not that far to travel, and i like the free parking.
The White Rose Shopping Centre is great and it's all under one roof. ...
