Primark to invest £140m in UK stores over next two years

Primark has unveiled plans to invest £140m over the next two years in its UK store estate.

This will include the opening of at least four new stores in Bury St Edmunds, Craigavon, Salisbury and Teesside Park. The investment creates at least 850 new jobs and increases selling space by more than 160,000sq ft, in a boost to local shopping areas.

Alongside the new stores, Primark will extend and invest in existing stores and will relocate its stores in Bradford and High Wycombe to higher profile locations.

In response to the growing popularity of its home range, a second dedicated Primark Home space will open in its Liverpool store, following on from the success of Primark Home in Merry Hill, West Midlands.

It will also refurbish and upgrade stores on high streets, shopping centres and retail parks. This work will include improving and updating décor and fixtures within stores. The continued roll-out of LED lighting across its UK store portfolio is also included, as Primark progresses its ambition to halve its carbon footprint across its value chain by 2030.

Paul Marchant, chief executive at Primark, said: “The UK is our biggest market and, as we continue to grow and expand our business internationally, we remain as committed as ever to investing in our stores to offer more customers our great value clothing, beauty, homewares and much more.

“Busy towns and cities benefit us all – we want to see thriving high streets and shopping centres where people come together and enjoy spending time. Through today’s investment, we’re playing a part in ensuring that UK retail continues to grow and thrive and give people another reason to visit their local high street.”