In History: The growth of Primark as a leader in value fashion retail
Associated British Foods (ABF), the parent company of Primark, today announced plans to separate the high street giant from the wider group by the end of 2027. The proposal follows a strategic review aimed at improving shareholder returns.
TheIndustry.fashion has taken an in-depth look at Primark's milestone moments over the years following this latest news.
Primark Derby Store, 1974
Primark was founded in 1969 by Arthur Ryan, who opened the first store in Dublin under the name Penneys, which it still uses in Ireland. The business built its reputation on low-cost fashion and expanded significantly during the 1990s through the acquisition of store locations from other retailers, including C&A, British Home Stores and Co-op. Further expansion followed in 2005 with the acquisition of 41 stores from Littlewoods.
Primark's arrival in Brighton, 1980
Primark Cardiff, 1989
During the 2000s, Primark developed a strong customer following, supported by increased visibility in the fashion industry. The opening of its flagship store on Oxford Street in 2007 marked a shift toward larger retail formats, with additional in-store services such as beauty treatments and food outlets.
Primark Cardiff, 2006
Primark Oxford Street opening, 2007
Further cementing its commitment to the UK retail scene, Primark opened the world’s largest branch in Birmingham in 2019 - showcasing its full range of fashion, beauty and homeware. Its launch created 500 new jobs for the city, in addition to the 430 employees who transferred from the brand’s existing store to the new location.
World's largest Primark in Birmingham, 2019
Fast forward to 2024, Primark marked its 50th anniversary and announced a £100 million investment in its UK store network, covering new store openings, extensions and refurbishments.
It has also introduced new retail formats, such as standalone home stores, as well as enhanced its customer offering through services like click-and-collect and buy-now-pay-later payment options.
Recent leadership changes include the appointment of Eoin Tonge as Chief Executive. Under his leadership, the company has emphasised improving product ranges, reinforcing its value proposition and enhancing digital and marketing capabilities.
During his previous tenure as interim CEO, Tonge also introduced restructuring measures, including plans last year to reduce around 150 roles across the UK, Ireland and US, alongside the outsourcing of selected support functions.
Most recently under his leadership, Primark reported a 2% increase in revenue for the 24 weeks to 28 February 2026. In the UK, like-for-like sales increased by 1.3%, reflecting modest market share gains despite "challenging retail conditions".
The company has also continued to advance its sustainability agenda, with 74% of clothing now made from recycled or more sustainably sourced materials. In addition, Primark launched its first UK mobile app to enhance customer engagement, offering features such as stock checking and personalised updates.
Now, with the proposed demerger, ABF believes the separation would enable Primark to adopt a governance structure more closely aligned with its scale and long-term growth ambitions, while allowing ABF to focus more sharply on its food businesses.
ABF Chief Executive George Weston said the move would give Primark a framework better suited to realising the full potential of its brand, customer offering and opportunities across both existing and new markets.
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 as second-ever CEO, taking over from founder Arthur Ryan.
2009 - Primark launches own beauty brand.
2011 - The first Primark x Disney collection launched.
2019 - Birmingham flagship opens, gaining the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest retail fashion store at 160,000 sq ft.
2022 - Primark first announces click-and-collect scheme.
2024 - Primark confirms £100 million investment in UK stores.
2025 - The first standalone Primark Home store opens in Great Britain at the Trafford Palazzo in Manchester.
January 2026 - Primark heads to Wimbledon for first new London store in 10 years.
March 2026 - Primark confirms Eoin Tonge as permanent CEO.
April 2026 - Primark launches mobile app in UK.
April 2026 - 'Circular Product Standard 2.0' launches to boost sustainability across fashion.
April 2026 - Primark owner ABF reveals plan to spin off high street fashion chain.
