Fashion brand Primark has delivered a good UK performance, coupled with rising sales in the US.
Owner Associated British Foods (ABF) reported improved trading at Primark in the UK and Ireland and strong momentum in the US, though softer conditions in continental Europe impacted on overall performance in the second half of its financial year.
For the 52 weeks ending 13 September 2025, Primark is expected to deliver sales growth of around 1%, supported by its ongoing store rollout programme which contributed around 4% growth.
Like-for-like sales, however, are expected to be down by around 2% in the second half, with declines of 2.4% in Q3 and around 2% projected in Q4.
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UK and Ireland sales grew around 1% in H2, representing an improvement on H1.
Primark also gained market share, rising from 6.6% to 6.8%, aided by strong womenswear ranges, favourable weather, and increased digital engagement.
The retailer’s Click & Collect service, now available in all 187 UK stores, continued to build momentum, while estate management – including openings, relocations and extensions – contributed further uplift.
Excluding estate changes, like-for-like sales were close to flat in H2.
George Weston, chief executive of ABF, said: “Primark delivered improved trading in the UK and strong sales growth in the US, while trading on the continent was softer in a weaker consumer environment.
“Against a backdrop of continued volatility in 2026, we will start to see the benefit from our recent actions and continued investment.”
On the continent, performance was mixed. Spain and Portugal saw expected H2 growth of around 2%, outperforming weaker domestic markets, while France and Italy declined 4%. Sales in Central and Eastern Europe rose 9%, buoyed by new stores, while Northern Europe sales slipped 2% amid a challenging German market.
The US continued to be a standout, with sales projected to rise 23% in H2, supported by new store openings including Primark’s first Tennessee store. ABF said its value proposition resonated strongly with American shoppers, and further space expansion is underway.
Across H2, Primark opened 15 new stores; four in the US, three in Spain, two each in Portugal and France, one in Italy, one in Romania and two in the UK, alongside 22 refits.
Preparations are also advancing for the retailer’s first Middle East openings, with a Kuwait store set to open in October followed by two in Dubai in early 2026.
Despite the mixed trading picture, ABF expects Primark’s adjusted operating margin for the full year to be broadly in line with last year, supported by cost efficiencies and ongoing investment in product, brand and digital initiatives.
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