AB Foods owns Primark and Twinings, among other companies (Jacob King/PA)
(Picture: PA Wire)INTERNET refusenik Primark is dipping its toe into the online world with the trial of a click and collect service on children’s clothes and toys.
The budget chain has thus far refused to dabble in internet sales, insisting it is cheaper to sell via stores where customers bare the transport costs. City analysts have long argued that Primark would have to embrace internet sales in the end, but have been wrong until today.
Chief executive Paul Marchant said the move today is “a milestone for our business”, that will be rolled out only in the northwest at first. A new website will be unveiled next year.
Sales in the third quarter were up 81% on last year when most stores were closed. They are 4% higher than the comparable pre-Covid period as shoppers bought new holiday and office clothes.
George Weston, CEO of Primark’s parent ABF said: “Sales are above pre-pandemic levels. London in particular is going very well.”
On the present issues facing businesses and customers, Weston said: “It is unlike anything I have experienced in my own working career. I really hope we come through it reasonably quickly.”
ABF’s grocery arm, which includes Silver Spoon sugar and Twinings tea, has been hit by rising costs of fuel, wheat and other staples.
Total group revenues was up 32% to £4.04 billion in the quarter.
Primark presently has 403 stores. It said today is plans to grow that to 530 stores by the end of 2026.
