Primark marks its 50th anniversary on the UK high street, showcasing a legacy that began in 1974.
- Founded by Arthur Ryan, Primark’s journey started in Dublin in 1969 as ‘Penneys’.
- The expansion into the UK began with its first store in Derby, followed by significant growth.
- Today, Primark operates 185 stores across Britain, employing over 30,000 people.
- Primark continues to invest heavily in its UK presence, reflecting on past achievements and future ambitions.
Primark is commemorating 50 years since it first established a presence on the British high street, a journey that began with the opening of its inaugural UK store on Babington Lane, Derby, on 26 September 1974. This milestone underscores Primark’s significant expansion from its roots in Dublin, where founder Arthur Ryan launched the first store under the name ‘Penneys’ in 1969.
Arthur Ryan’s venture into the UK market set a precedent for rapid expansion. Following the success of the Derby store, Primark quickly opened stores in Bristol and Northampton. By 1975, the retailer had reached Scotland with a store in Hamilton, which remains its smallest UK outlet. The 1980s and 1990s were pivotal decades for Primark, marked by strategic acquisitions of premises from C&A, BHS, and Co-op Living, enhancing their market footprint considerably.
In 2005, Primark further cemented its place in the UK retail landscape by acquiring 41 stores from Littlewoods, which significantly increased its high street presence. The opening of a major store on Oxford Street in 2007, followed by another flagship near Tottenham Court Road in 2012, further signified its growth trajectory. Today, Primark is a household name with 185 stores spread across Britain and employing more than 30,000 personnel.
Primark’s commitment to growth remains robust, with a current investment of £100 million in UK operations, which includes the opening of new stores and the expansion and relocation of existing ones. This year, new stores have emerged in Bury St Edmunds and Teesside, with expansions in Gateshead and Westfield Stratford, and relocations in Bradford and High Wycombe.
Reflecting on the firm’s journey, Kari Rodgers, Primark’s UK retail director, acknowledged the evolution of British high streets and fashion trends over the past five decades. “Over the last 50 years, British high streets and style have changed a lot and Primark has been there every step of the way,” she noted, expressing gratitude for the loyalty shown by employees and customers alike.
Primark’s 50-year journey on the British high street exemplifies its enduring commitment to providing affordable fashion.
