Primark makes big change at all 187 stores at the till

Primark has rolled out its click and collect service to all 187 stores across Great Britain, completing its expansion strategy that started with a test in 25 locations.

The high street fashion giant added 29 outlets to the scheme this week, including all 21 Scottish branches, finalising a year-long initiative to offer the service nationwide.

Now, even the customers of Primark’s smallest outlet in Hamilton, Scotland, can enjoy a selection more than triple the size of their local store’s assortment, with over 5,000 items up for grabs through click and collect.

Initially trialled in parts of the North West, Yorkshire and North Wales, the service lets patrons order products online and gather them from their chosen shop after a mere two-day wait.

It also allows shoppers a smoother experience, giving them the flexibility to pay for additional in-store finds at a separate collection point, steering clear of the standard checkout queues.

Kari Rodgers, UK Retail Director for Primark, expressed excitement: “Now, wherever you live in Great Britain you can browse and shop the best of Primark online, before collecting in the store that suits you.”

Delighting in the timing of the rollout, Kari Rodgers accentuated the ease this will bring to seasonal purchases: “We’re thrilled to have now completed this roll out ahead of the summer. Whether you’re after a suitcase, a swimsuit or matching holiday outfits for the whole family, click and collect makes your summer holiday shopping even easier.”

Last month, the owner of Primark declared that it would not be increasing prices for UK shoppers, committing to absorb sharp rises in labour costs.

This announcement came as parent company Associated British Foods (ABF) reported “weaker sales” across the budget fashion chain’s UK and Ireland stores in recent months.

However, it suggested that trading has picked up in recent weeks due to improved weather conditions, which have helped boost sales of spring and summer clothing.

George Weston, Chief Executive of ABF, stated that the company is experiencing “significant” increases in labour costs following hikes in national insurance contributions and wage rises, but plans to maintain stable prices.

“We went nine years without moving prices before inflation forced us to change pricing a couple of years ago, but since then we have brought down the price of kids’ clothing,” he said. “We haven’t moved any more prices and are absolutely not planning to move any more.

“Hopefully we can keep them flat for another eight or nine years. There has been some benefit from weakness in the US dollar and benign cotton costs, but there are labour cost rises which we are choosing to absorb.”

Sales across ABF’s retail arm, predominantly the Primark brand, increased by 1% to £4.5 billion over the 24 weeks to March 1.

However, the firm noted that this growth was driven by Europe and the US, offsetting “weaker sales” in the UK and Ireland, where consumer caution has been observed.

Mr Weston acknowledged that the UK arm of the business has been fending off competition from Asian giants such as Shein and Temu.

Still, he praised the Government’s decision to revisit the tax regulation allowing small parcels to enter the UK duty-free, a loophole widely exploited by overseas online retailers.

The affluent entrepreneur criticised the rule which lets global packages valued under £135 to escape import taxes, branding it “wrong” and arguing it bestows an unfair advantage.

This comes as ABF reported to investors that pre-tax profits took a dive by 21% to £692 million during the 24 weeks leading up to March 1, pointing out weaknesses in the sugar division of its operations.

At the same time, revenues fell by 2% to stand at £9.5 billion for the half-year timeframe.