Since opening its Derby store 50 years ago, Primark has expanded its high street presence to 185 stores across Britain with more than 30,000 employees. Founder Arthur Ryan opened Primark’s first store, Penneys, in Dublin in 1969, which remains the Irish brand name to this day.
Stores in Bristol and Northampton followed shortly after the Derby opening, before the first store in Scotland arrived in Hamilton in 1975 – which remains Primark’s smallest UK store today. In 1986, Primark made its debut in London with its Woolwich store.
The 90s saw rapid growth as Primark acquired stores from other retailers including C&A, BHS and Co-op Living. In 2005, it took over Littlewoods and added 41 new Primark stores, becoming a regular fixture on high streets across the UK.
The business continued its growth in the 2000s. In 2007, Primark opened on Oxford Street, followed by a second flagship store near Tottenham Court Road five years later.
This year, the retailer is investing £100m in its UK stores including three new openings, three relocations and two extensions, creating 700 jobs. So far this year, it has opened new stores in Bury St Edmunds, Teesside, alongside extensions in Gateshead and Westfield Stratford and two relocations in Bradford and High Wycombe.
Reflecting on the milestone, Kari Rodgers, UK retail director of Primark, said: “Over the last 50 years, British high streets and style have changed a lot and Primark has been there every step of the way. While we’ve evolved through the decades, our mission of helping people look and feel good for less remains as relevant today as it was then.
“We’ve paved the way for great quality, affordable fashion for everyone and I’m so grateful for the loyalty our amazing colleagues and customers have shown us. To still be proudly on the high street and growing is testament to them and we’re excited for what the next 50 years brings.”