Primark has unveiled plans to invest over £100 million in its UK outlets as it celebrates its 50th anniversary on the Great British High Street. This announcement highlights a commitment of more than £75 million in new investments within the UK retail sector for 2024, continuing the expansion strategy outlined in November 2022.
In 2024, Primark is poised to inaugurate new stores in Bury St. Edmunds, Teesside Park, and Glasgow Fort, with the Bury St. Edmunds location set to open its doors on March 6th. Additionally, significant expansions are planned for existing stores, including a near doubling of the Westfield Stratford store in London, making it the second-largest Primark in the city. The Metrocentre store in Gateshead, Tyneside, will also see substantial expansion, nearly reaching 80,000sq. ft of retail space.
These developments will increase Primark’s UK footprint to 195 stores, covering almost 8 million sq. ft of sales area by year’s end. The expansion, including new stores and store enlargements, is expected to generate almost 700 new employment opportunities, ranging from retail assistants to store management roles.
Furthermore, Primark plans to relocate stores in Bradford, High Wycombe, and Bolton to better locations, while also refurbishing 15 other stores as part of its ongoing upgrade program. These refurbishments aim to enhance the shopping environment through improved décor, fixtures, and the introduction of energy-saving LED lighting, aligning with Primark’s goal to reduce its carbon footprint by half by 2030.
New store openings are also on the horizon for Epsom, Surrey, and Newbury, Berkshire, with plans to commence operations from 2025. These additions are expected to provide over 55,000 sq. ft of new retail space, further bolstering local shopping destinations.
Kari Rodgers, UK Retail Director at Primark said: “We’ve changed a lot in the 50 years since we opened the doors on our first store in Great Britain in Derby back in 1974, but at our heart, we are still the same. We’re as committed as ever to offering the very best value on the high street and making great fashion more affordable and accessible for everyone. This latest investment will mean bigger and better stores, hundreds of new jobs across the country and shows our ongoing commitment to the UK high street.”
Since its inception, Primark has grown significantly, now employing over 30,000 individuals across 192 UK locations. The brand has diversified its offerings, including beauty studios, food and drink outlets like Tasty by Greggs and Disney Cafes, and the introduction of Wornwell for vintage clothing. Additionally, a Click + Collect service has been rolled out to 57 stores, enhancing the shopping experience and driving foot traffic to high streets.
With a presence in 15 countries outside the UK, Primark aims to expand its global store count to 530 by the end of 2026,
