Great Universal Stores Catalogue

Great Universal Stores, widely known as GUS, was one of Britain's best-known mail-order catalogues, offering a broad range of clothing, furniture and household goods across the United Kingdom. First published in the early 20th century, the catalogue became a household name thanks to its easy-to-use layout and competitive pricing. It also allowed customers to spread the cost of their purchases, giving them extra time to pay without paying any extra.

The History of Great Universal Stores

Great Universal Stores was a British catalogue and retail company founded in the early 20th century. It began as a mail-order business and later expanded into retail stores and financial services. By the 1980s it had grown into 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 businesses: Home Retail Group and Experian. Home Retail Group owned Argos and Homebase, while Experian focused on credit checking and consumer data services. Home Retail Group was later acquired by Sainsbury's in 2016, and Experian remains an independent, publicly traded company.

The Great Universal Stores Catalogue

The Great Universal Stores Catalogue was a mail-order catalogue offering a wide range of products such as clothing, furniture and household goods. Customers could place orders by mail, telephone or online, and could choose home delivery or pickup from the store. Published regularly, the catalogue was known for its seasonal promotions and sales, and it played an important part in helping GUS expand into retail stores and financial services. In the 2000s it was phased out in favour of online shopping and eventually discontinued.

What Great Universal Stores Sold

Over the years the catalogue and accompanying website offered an extensive product range across many categories. Popular lines included:

• Clothing and fashion for men, women and children, including brands such as Burberry
• Furniture such as sofas, beds and dining sets, under the GUS Home Furnishings name
• Electronics including televisions, DVD players and home audio systems
• Home and garden items such as kitchen appliances, bedding and outdoor furniture
• Toys and games for children, including dolls, action figures and board games
• Sports and leisure goods such as bikes, fitness equipment and outdoor gear

The exact range and popularity varied over time depending on the season, trends and the company's wider strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Great Universal Stores?

Great Universal Stores (GUS) was a British catalogue and retail company founded in the early 20th century. It started as a mail-order business and later expanded into retail stores and financial services, becoming one of the largest retailers in the UK.

What could you buy from the Great Universal Stores catalogue?

The catalogue offered a wide range of products including clothing and fashion, furniture, electronics, home and garden items, toys and games, and sports and leisure goods.

How did customers order from Great Universal Stores?

Customers could place orders by mail, telephone or online, and could opt for home delivery or pickup from the store. The catalogue also allowed customers to spread the cost over time.

Does Great Universal Stores still exist?

No. GUS was dissolved in the early 2000s after facing financial difficulties and split into two separate companies, Home Retail Group and Experian. Home Retail Group was later acquired by Sainsbury's in 2016.

Does the Great Universal Stores catalogue still exist?

No. The catalogue was phased out in the early 2000s in favour of online shopping and eventually discontinued. As GUS itself no longer exists, the catalogue can no longer be obtained.

Which brands were part of Great Universal Stores?

At its height in the 1980s, GUS owned several well-known brands including Argos, Homebase and Burberry.

This catalogue is part of the Catalink archive and may no longer be available to order. The information above describes Great Universal Stores. For current details, visit the company's official website.