In History: Primark's expansion during 50 years on the British high street

Primark, known for its affordable fashion, homeware and beauty products, is today celebrating half a century on the British high street. After reaching its golden anniversary, the retailer is showing no signs of slowing down, committing to "expand and invest" for future growth.

The now household name is hosting a celebration of 50 years for customers and colleagues in Derby, back where it all began on 26 September 1974. As for the rest of the UK, Primark store windows will feature images of the brand through the ages.

Primark, which is on a mission to make "clothing affordable and accessible to everyone", has 185 stores across Britain and employs more than 30,000 colleagues today. Globally, there are 450 stores across 17 countries including Spain, France, Germany and the USA employing more than 80,000 colleagues worldwide.

Kari Rodgers, UK Retail Director for 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."

Primark Derby Store, 1974

Founder Arthur Ryan opened Primark’s very first store, Penneys, in Dublin in 1969, which remains the Irish brand name to this day. Not only does the retailer go by Primark and Penneys, but it also goes by ‘Primarni’ or ‘Primangé’, as shoppers gave the cheap-as-chips company a comical yet elevated je nais se quoi.

From day one in 1969, it was a hit. Shoppers lined up around the block to get their hands on opening offers including women’s tweed coats for £9.50 and printed crepe blouses for 99p. By the 1990s, when minimalism and supermodel style were the order of the day, Primark saw significant growth after moving new stores acquired from other retailers including C&A, BHS and Co-op Living. In 2005, when it took over Littlewoods, it added another 41 new stores to its portfolio.

Primark's arrival in Brighton, 1980

During the 2000s, back when Primark’s beaded necklaces and everyday plimsoll shoes couldn’t stay on the shelves, it developed a cult following. By 2005, it got the official stamp of approval from the fashion crowd, hitting the pages of Vogue magazine.

Primark Oxford Street opening, 2007

Primark continues to evolve with the times and customer's wants. Now, many larger stores, such as the Oxford Street flagship that opened in 2007, include experiental offerings from beauty studios, nail salons, barbers, vintage clothing concessions and cafes.

But, the retailer shows no signs of slowing down on its mission to world domination. Earlier this year, Primark announced a £100 million investment across its UK store estate, including new stores, extensions and refurbishments. So far this year, it has opened new stores in Bury St Edmunds and Teesside as well as added significant extensions to its Gateshead and Westfield Stratford stores.

World's Largest Primark in Birmingham, 2019

A brief history of Primark milestones:

1969 - First Penneys opened in Ireland

1974 - First UK store opens in Derby

1986 - Primark's first London store opens in Woolwich

2005 - Primark took over Littlewoods, adding 41 shops to its portfolio

2006 - Opened its first store overseas in Spain

2007 - Primark's flagship arrives on London's Oxford Street

2009 - Paul Marchant appointed second-ever Primark CEO, taking over from Founder Arthur Ryan

2009 - Primark launches own beauty brand

2011 - The first Primark x Disney collection launched

2019 - Birmingham store opened,  which holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest retail fashion store at 160,000 sq ft

2022 - It began trialling - and now rolling out nationwide - a Click & Collect service