Argos marked its 45th birthday in spectacular style in Manchester today with a special ceremony celebrating its longest-serving employee who joined the retailer the year it launched in 1973.
Argos CEO John Rogers presented Philip Stone, 61, from Manchester City Centre, with a certificate, a £500 gift voucher and a cake designed to resemble the very first Argos catalogue from 1973.
Since Philip joined the company 45 years ago, the leading online retailer has continually reinvented itself, remaining a firm stalwart of British high streets as well as successfully adapting to the digital age. The Argos website is the third most-visited retail site in the UK, with more than 1bn visits a year, and 60 per cent of Argos sales now start online.
John Rogers, Argos CEO, said: “Philip’s commitment to Argos is exceptional. It’s thanks to his efforts, as well as those of our other 30,000 colleagues, that Argos continues to hold such a special place in the hearts and minds of customers across Britain.
“Over the past 45 years, Argos has endured the ups and downs of the retail landscape, remaining a much-loved British institution and familiar face on British high streets and in the online world.”
Philip Stone, Argos employee of 45 years, said: “I have seen many changes at Argos over the last 45 years, from Green Shield Stamps to Fast Track delivery, and providing great service for our customers has always been at the heart of this. I have been privileged to work with a fantastic team of people over the years and look forward to celebrating 50 years with Argos!”
Representatives from Alzheimer’s Society, which this week launched a four-month summer partnership with Argos to raise funds for the charity, also attended the event.
Sian Meech, Corporate Account Manager for Alzheimer’s Society said: “Congratulations to Argos on its 45th birthday. Alzheimer’s Society is extremely excited and grateful to be forming a new partnership with Argos this summer.
“Argos is uniting against dementia by aiming to raise in the region of £300,000 through employee fundraising. This money will help continue the work of our dedicated Dementia support workers. One person every three minutes develops dementia and there is no cure. We’re here to change that but we need more committed organisations like Argos to join us as we take on dementia together.”