Home Retail Group plc, formerly part of Great Universal Stores plc, was a leading UK‐based home and general merchandise retailer. Established in 2006 through the demerger of GUS’s non‐financial services division, the group brought together the Argos, Habitat and Homebase brands under a single corporate umbrella. Over its decade of independent trading, Home Retail Group built a reputation for accessible, value‐led retailing across both bricks-and-mortar and online channels.
The company’s flagship brand, Argos, offered a wide array of products ranging from consumer electronics, toys and white goods to small domestic appliances and general household items. Argos combined a well‐established catalogue-based ordering system with an expanding digital platform, allowing customers to shop in store, online or via mobile apps. Homebase provided a complementary offering in the DIY, gardening and home improvement space, stocking tools, paint, garden furniture and building materials. Habitat focused on contemporary furniture, lighting and home accessories, serving customers seeking modern, design-led décor.
Headquartered in Milton Keynes, England, Home Retail Group served customers across the UK and Ireland through an integrated network of more than 1,200 outlets and robust e-commerce infrastructure. The company invested heavily in supply chain efficiency and digital fulfilment, blending physical store convenience with click-and-collect and home delivery options. This omnichannel approach supported steady growth in online sales and reinforced the group’s position in highly competitive retail markets.
Governed by a board of directors and led by an executive team with deep expertise in retail operations, digital innovation and real estate management, Home Retail Group navigated changing consumer trends and technological disruption. In 2016 the group was acquired by J Sainsbury plc, after which its core brands were integrated into Sainsbury’s retail portfolio. The acquisition marked the culmination of Home Retail Group’s independent journey and underscored its strategic value in the UK retail landscape.
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