PRIMARK is set to launch an app in the UK for the first time – but there’s a catch.
The fashion retailer is rolling out a new bespoke app across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland – within 18 months.
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Primark is yet to reveal any other details about the mystery tech update that has already launched in Italy and Ireland today.
In those two countries, the app lets shoppers browse products, check in-store stock availability and save items so they can go back and buy them later on.
Customers can also use a store locator tool to find their nearest branch and change their settings to receive notifications when new collections and items come in.
Customers can download the app for free onto their smartphone via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store by searching for “Primark” or “Penneys”.
Primark said the launch of the app in Italy and Ireland will let it “test and learn how customers” interact with it.
This will “inform further development ahead of future launches”, including the UK.
Matt Houston, chief customer and digital officer, said: “We know our customers increasingly start their shopping journey online, whether that’s checking what’s new or planning a visit, and the app gives them the tools to do that in a more intuitive, personalised way.”
The launch of the app comes after Primark rolled out new websites in 17 countries over the last three years including one in the UK in 2022.
Meanwhile, in May, the retailer confirmed it had finished the roll out of click and collect at 187 stores.
Primark first launched a trial of the service across 25 stores in the north of England and Wales in November 2022, extending this to 57 in April 2023.
In its most recently published results at Companies House, the retailer said its revamped digital platforms were resulting in higher store sales and footfall.
The chain also toasted positive results in the 52 weeks ending September 14, 2024.
Turnover for the business was £3,906.7million, up from £3,851million in the 52 weeks to September 2023.
Meanwhile, pre-tax profits also jumped up, from £141.2million to £149.5million. Group sales for the business also grew 6% year-on-year.
What else is happening at Primark?
The retailer opened its first ever standalone Primark Home store in Belfast on March 6.
When the new store launched, a spokesperson said: “Keeping up with the latest homeware trends and must-have interiors, Primark Home combines style, comfort and value to help shoppers make a house a home.
“From high-quality essentials like cotton bedding and towels to on-trend soft furnishings, decorative pieces, small furniture and unique, quirky kitchen ceramics that will elevate any space.”
Meanwhile, Primark sparked shopper fury among some customers in May by introducing a charge for its paper bags.
Since May 12, shoppers now have to pay 15p for paper bags, regardless of size – small, medium, or large.
Explaining the decision, the retailer said: “We’ve introduced a small fee for single-use paper bags.
“Have a reusable bag? Bring it with you next time you shop!
“Why the change? Research shows that charging for bags reduces the number of new bags customers use.
“It’s a simple step that encourages all of us to think twice about our use.”
A short history of Primark
Primark first opened in 1969 as Penneys in Dublin hoping to provide affordable fashion in Ireland.
A Primark store officially opened as Primark in 1974 in Derby.
It currently operates over 190 stores in the UK and operates out of 17 markets, including Hungary, Italy and France.
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