The way we shop has changed beyond recognition over the past five decades, from the rise of online shopping to the death of department stores, not to mention spending booms and busts and a pandemic. All of which makes ’s half century on the British high street, reached on Thursday, an impressive milestone. With 450 stores in 17 countries, and annual sales of £9bn, Primark is unrecognisable from the retailer that skipped across the Irish sea to make its debut on Babington Lane, Derby, 50 years ago.
Back then shoppers queued up to buy women’s tweed coats for £9.50 and crepe blouses for 99p. In a sign of the times, Opportunity Knocks presenter Hughie Green cut the ribbon.
Today its celebrity partners are the pop star Rita Ora and earlier this year it revealed plans to invest £100m in its UK stores, including new openings. The business has marketed itself on the promise of “making clothing affordable and accessible to everyone” and it was this mission that drove founder Arthur Ryan to open Primark’s very first store, Penneys, which remains the Irish brand name, in Dublin in 1969. He saw an opportunity in the British market and took over a grocery store owned by its parent company Associated British Foods.
Although the name changed to Primark, it still had the same aim of offering women’s, men’s and children’s clothing at low prices. From day one Primark was a hit as shoppers bagged V-neck Shetland sweaters for £2.85.
More store openings followed and in the 90s.