Primark, the London-based international clothing retailer, announced its latest store openings as part of its ambitious expansion plan to win over U.S. shoppers as it has done in the U.K. and across much of Europe.
The value retailer is opening three new stores this summer, the first in the Macerich-owned Green Acres Mall in Long Island, New York, a second in The Mills at Jersey Gardens in Elizabeth, New Jersey, owned by Simon Property Group and a third in Pyramid Management's Crossgates Mall in Albany, New York. They join two other U.S. stores Primark opened earlier this year in Buffalo, New York, and City Point in Brooklyn.
Each of the three new stores will encompass more than 33,000 square feet of sales floor space. The latest openings will bring Primark's store total to 428 globally, with 20 in the U.S., part of the chain's goal of scaling to 60 U.S. stores by the end of 2026. After establishing a beachhead in the Northeast U.S. the retailer recently announced plans to further expand into the southern U.S., with aims for Texas in the future.
The chain's reputation for offering the latest fashion trends, everyday essentials, homewares, and gifts at exceptionally affordable prices has preceded its expansion.
"The reception we've received as we've joined new communities in the U.S. has been overwhelmingly positive, with lines of new customers waiting to meet us," said Kevin Tulip, president of Primark U.S. in a statement announcing the new store openings. "'Primania' is spreading from New York to New Jersey and beyond, and these three new stores will answer the demand we've had for our amazing fashion at amazing prices in new communities in both states," Tulip added.
Considered to be one of the great retail success stories over the past 20 years, the chain's global success has been attributed to its focus on delivering the retail fundamentals of brand, product and price, all while largely eschewing an online sales strategy. Its reach spans across 13 European countries and it has created thriving positions in malls, as well as locations on urban high streets.
Stephen Springham, a partner and the head of United Kingdom retail research at Knight Frank, described Primark as arguably the most successful retailer of the past two decades. It has had its sights set on the U.S. for some time, debuting a handful of stores in 2015. In the past 12 months the retailer has ramped up its expansion plans again as part of a global drive to get to 530 stores worldwide by the end of 2026.