Sainsbury’s has agreed to sell Argos and Habitat, bringing an end to a strategy that once promised to reshape the UK supermarket industry by combining food retailing with general merchandise. Rather than competing across multiple retail categories, Sainsbury’s is returning its full attention to its core grocery business at a time when competition has never been more intense. When Sainsbury’s acquired Argos in 2016, the deal was regarded as one of the boldest retail acquisitions in the UK. Hundreds of Argos outlets were relocated into Sainsbury’s supermarkets, reducing operating costs while increasing customer footfall. Despite the sale, Argos remains one of Britain’s best-known retail brands and continues to enjoy strong customer recognition.