Argos

How ethical and sustainable is Argos?

Argos is included in The Good Shopping Guide‘s Furniture Ethical Ratings Table. Although the brand has not yet met our ethical standards, we believe the brand will make the necessary changes to function as a more ethical organisation. Seeking Ethical Accreditation, and acting on consultancy and sustainability suggestions from The Good Shopping Guide, can increase consumer confidence and strengthen a brands’ ethical reputation.

For more information on the best sustainable furniture, see our Good Shopping Guide for Ethical Furniture.  Then compare with other suppliers on our Furniture Ethical Ratings table.

What does Argos do?

Argos was established in 1973 with over 60,000 products and 1,000 physical stores across the UK. Argos Furniture helped to develop the brand to the point that it is at today. The brand is one of the UK’s top toy retailers as well as furniture, homeware and electrical. You can read more on the history of Argos here.

Argos became a part of the Sainsbury’s Group in 2016 and now many Sainsbury stores have an Argos click and collect point.

For which criteria does Argos perform poorly? 

Argos scored low on Animal Welfare Concerns and Human Rights Concerns as it is a part of the Sainsbury’s Group. Chicken abuse, which Sainsbury’s is accused of, underlies poor welfare ratings and damages the reputation of the brand owned by J Sainsbury’s Plc. Sainsbury’s has been criticised for a number of things, including an investigation by an observer that found the company’s recruitment agency was withholding salaries.

Past Criticisms of Argos’s ethical record

Argos faced ethical concerns due to being a part of Sainsbury’s Group, which has been criticised by Greenpeace for failing to limit the amount of plastic waste it generates. Of the top 10 UK supermarkets, Sainsbury’s improved the least.

In what areas does Argos score well for its ethics?

Argos Furniture scores highly in Environmental Reports, Timber Sourcing Policy, lack of nuclear involvement, Fossil Fuels, Military Armaments, and Political Donations. Sainsbury’s has released a report containing net zero and plastic packaging targets and evidence of improvement in each of these areas. Sainsbury’s also has a CDP Forest Disclosure Statement stating that 93% of the wood used in its wood products is either recycled or FSC or PEFC certified.

How can Argos improve its Ethical Rating?

The brand’s Ethical Rating is decided by The Good Shopping Guide focusing on three main categories; the Environment, People and Animals. Argos can apply for Ethical Accreditation from The Good Shopping Guide for more guidance on improvements.

By improving the treatment of workers and animals in its parent company’s supply chain, Argos can improve its score and meet our core ethical requirements.

Why not check out The Good Shopping Guide’s Ethical Accreditation if you work for or with a Furniture company that values its ESG, CSR and sustainability policies?

Contact us to find out more, or complete our short form for an initial ethical and sustainability evaluation.