Primark sees strong H2 UK and US sales offset weaker European demand
However, like-for-like sales in the second half are forecast to fall by around 2%, with declines of 2.4% in the third quarter and about 2% in the fourth
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Fashion retailer Primark reported stronger H2 UK trading and rising US sales, offsetting weaker European demand, with full-year growth to 13 September 2025 expected at around 1%.
This growth is supported by its ongoing store rollout programme, which contributed about 4% to annual sales.
Owner Associated British Foods (ABF) said trading improved in the UK and Ireland in the second half of the year, helped by favourable market conditions and increased digital engagement. Sales in the US continued to grow strongly, while continental Europe faced weaker consumer demand.
However, like-for-like sales in the second half are forecast to fall by around 2%, with declines of 2.4% in the third quarter and about 2% in the fourth.
In the UK and Ireland, sales rose by around 1% in the second half, representing an improvement on the first half.
Additionally, market share increased from 6.6% to 6.8%, driven by strong womenswear ranges, favourable weather and higher digital engagement.
Primark’s Click and Collect service, now available in all 187 UK stores, continued to gain traction.
Store openings, relocations and extensions also provided a further uplift, with like-for-like sales close to flat when estate changes were excluded.
George Weston, chief executive of Associated British Foods, said: “I’m pleased with how the group has performed in the second half of our financial year in what continues to be a challenging environment, characterised by consumer caution, geopolitical uncertainty and inflation.
“Primark delivered improved trading in the UK and strong sales growth in the US, while trading on the continent was softer in a weaker consumer environment. In our food businesses, overall trading in the second half was in line with our expectations.”
Weston added: “This has also been a busy period strategically, including the decision to close the Vivergo bioethanol plant, the restructuring of our Spanish sugar business, and an agreement for Allied Bakeries to acquire Hovis to create a financially sustainable UK bakeries business. Against a backdrop of continued volatility in 2026, we will start to see the benefit from our recent actions and continued investment.”
