The Great Universal catalogue was one of Britain's best-known mail-order catalogues, published by Great Universal Stores (GUS) and offering households a broad range of products from clothing to furniture. It is now archived and listed here under Shop Direct Home Shopping Limited c/o Indicia Bristol Ltd.
Great Universal Stores (GUS) was a British catalogue and retail company founded in the early 20th century. Beginning as a mail-order business, it expanded into retail stores and financial services. By the 1980s it had become one of the largest retailers in the UK, with several well-known brands under its umbrella, including Argos, Homebase and Burberry. In the 2000s the company faced financial difficulties and ultimately split into two separate companies: Home Retail Group, which owned Argos and Homebase, and Experian, which focused on credit checking and consumer data services.
The Great Universal Catalogue was first published in the early 20th century and became one of the most popular catalogues in the UK. It was known for its easy-to-use layout, competitive pricing and regular seasonal promotions and sales. Customers could place orders by mail, telephone or online, and could choose home delivery or pickup from the store. The catalogue played an important part in GUS's business, helping the company expand into retail stores and financial services. In the 2000s it was phased out in favour of online shopping and eventually discontinued.
The Great Universal website was an e-commerce platform created by GUS as an extension of its mail-order business, allowing customers to browse and purchase products from home. Customers could shop by category or search using keywords, with features that included:
The website was phased out in the early 2000s alongside the catalogue as the company faced financial difficulties and eventually split into Home Retail Group and Experian.
The catalogue and website offered a wide product range, including:
The product range and popularity varied over time, depending on the season, trends and the company's strategy.
It was published by Great Universal Stores (GUS), a British catalogue and retail company founded in the early 20th century.
The catalogue offered clothing and fashion, furniture, electronics, home and garden items, toys and games, and sports and leisure goods.
Orders could be placed by mail, telephone or online, with options for home delivery or pickup from the store.
The website included product reviews, recommendations, a wishlist function, order tracking, returns management and account access, and was available in multiple languages.
Customers could pay via credit or debit card, PayPal or other methods.
In the 2000s it was phased out in favour of online shopping, and the company later split into Home Retail Group and Experian following financial difficulties.
This catalogue is part of the Catalink archive and may no longer be available to order. The information above describes Shop Direct Home Shopping Limited c/o Indicia Bristol Ltd. For current details, visit the company's official website.
This catalogue is no longer available
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