PRIMARK has confirmed its first store closure in a decade, leaving shoppers devastated.
The fashion and homeware retailer is to shut its branch in the Orchards Shopping Centre in Dartford next year – although an exact date has yet to be confirmed.
Primark is set to shut the doors of one of its shops for the first time in more than 10 years[/caption]
The store is shutting due to the “significant” repair work required in the building, bosses said.
The branch’s 53 employees could also be at risk, as Primark confirmed they are due to enter a period of consultation over the closure.
Primark director of sales for UK South and South East Philippa Nibbs told The Sun: “Following careful consideration, we’re proposing to close our Dartford store in the new year.
“This proposal has been informed by the significant and extensive repair work the building requires.
“Our priority is our colleagues impacted by this news, and we will be supporting them as they now enter a period of consultation.
“We know this will be disappointing news for our customers and the wider Dartford community too, and we are very grateful for their support over the years.
“Our store remains open for now, and we’ll communicate further updates in due course.
“This decision has been driven by circumstances unique to this store and our commitment to the high street and UK retail remains.”
Primark has more than 190 stores in the UK and employs more than 30,000 people.
Shoppers have been left devastated by the closure, with one writing online that it will “definitely be the death of Dartford”.
It is believed to be the first closure of a Primark store in more than a decade.
In 2020, Primark relocated from the Royals Shopping Centre in Southend-on-Sea to move further down the high street.
Kent locals will be able to shop in Primark’s Bluewater Shopping Centre branch in Greenhithe, and in its Bexleyheath store.
More Primark changes
The closure comes amid several changes by the beloved fashion retailer, known for its bargain prices and trendy clothing and home accessories.
Last month, Primark opened its first standalone homeware store in Britain, in Manchester’s Trafford Palazzo.
The new store is filled with high-quality essentials like cotton bedding and towels, soft furnishings, quirky ceramics, and even some flat-pack furniture.
Fans of the high street chain are also anticipating the launch of its first app, which is set to launch across the UK within the next 18 months.
Primark has already launched an app in Italy and Ireland, which allows shoppers to browse products, check in-store stock availability and save items so they can go back and buy them later on.
Meanwhile, Primark completed the rollout of its click-and-collect service earlier this year.
The service, which allows shoppers to order items from the Primark website and pick them up in store, is now available at 187 stores across the UK.
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