Primark was founded in 1969 in Dublin by Irish retail pioneer Arthur Ryan. The first store opened under the name Penneys on Mary Street, with a clear aim: to offer fashionable clothing at the lowest possible prices. The concept was based on high-volume sales and rapid responses to fashion trends, laying the foundation for the brand’s growth first across Ireland and later internationally.
Primark’s expansion to London
Primark expanded into the UK market in the early 1970s. Due to trademark reasons, the chain adopted the name Primark instead of Penneys, while the business model itself remained unchanged. London quickly became one of the brand’s key markets, with stores opening in busy shopping districts and near major transport hubs. Primark Oxford Street, opened in 2007, was designed to serve the area’s exceptionally high footfall and international visibility. It is one of the largest Primark stores in London and one of the most recognisable retail names on Oxford Street.
The store
The Oxford Street Primark is a multi-storey department store, with different floors dedicated to specific product categories such as women’s, men’s and children’s fashion, accessories and homeware. The range includes everyday basics, seasonal items and trend-driven collections, all priced significantly lower than many other Oxford Street retailers, making Primark one of the best options for cheap shopping in central London. Style influences reflect street fashion and social media trends, and collections are updated frequently throughout the season.
In addition to clothing, the store features a large accessories and beauty section offering jewellery, bags, shoes, scarves and sunglasses, as well as make-up, skincare and hair products. The homeware range includes bedding, towels, soft furnishings and small decorative items, forming a substantial part of the store’s overall offering.
