Primark: Look good, pay less.
May 13, 2023
PRIMARK is an Irish multinational fast fashion retailer headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.
As an employer with more than 72,000 colleagues in 15 countries in Europe and the United States, Primark is, indeed, an international success.
Established in June 1969 by Arthur Ryan on behalf of the Weston family (who had founded Associated British Foods in 1939), the company’s first store, named Penneys was located at 47 Mary Street in Dublin, Ireland.
The name Penneys remains on all of the 37 stores in Ireland.
In 1973, the company expanded outside of Ireland, opening a store in Derby, Great Britain. As the name, Penney, was registered by J.C. Penney right across Europe, Penneys was required to make a name change from Penneys to Primark in all countries outside of Ireland. That said, the company continues to use the Penneys brand in Ireland. Today there are 188 Primark store locations in the United Kingdom.
Everyday affordability for all…
Primark is a family store, providing affordable and stylish fashion choices for women, men and kids. If it’s beauty, homeware and accessories you’re looking for, Primark has those, too.
Primark continues to expand across new and existing markets with the goal of reaching 530 stores by the end of 2026.
Primark Cares…
Primark continues to make sustainable products at prices affordable to most; to reduce its negative impact on the planet; and, to improve the lives of its workers by pursuing fair wages for all employees in the supply chain.
In 2006, Primark joined the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI), a leading alliance of companies, trade unions, and NGOs that promotes respect for workers’ rights around the globe.
In 2013, the company launched its Primark Sustainable Cotton Programme to help farmers grow cotton using more environmentally friendly farming methods while improving their livelihoods. To date, Primark has trained 252,800 farmers in more sustainable farming methods and is on track to train 275,000 farmers by the end of 2023.
In 2018, Primark’s own-brand cosmetics received the coveted Leaping Bunny gold standard certification from Cruelty-Free International.
Gloria Sauvé
Communications