Primark’s UK sales have been hit as ‘cautious’ shoppers held back in lead up to Christmas

Primark parent company Associated British Foods said today that the fashion retailer’s sales grew 2% during the 16 weeks to January 4, 2025.

In the UK and Ireland, Primark’s largest market which accounts for 45% of its sales, revenue fell 4% during the period while like for like sales were also down 6%.

With an eye specifically to the UK, sales were down 4% as well as 6.4% on a like-for-like basis.

While the fashion retailer hailed “good growth” in markets including Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Central and Eastern Europe and the US, Primark noted the “challenging retail environment” in the UK and Ireland.

Primark said that the sales declined amid a period of overall decline in the UK market and attributed this to “cautious consumer sentiment” and a “lack of seasonal purchasing”.

Primark said in a statement: “Primark’s trading pattern in the period was marked by a weak October and November, which had a strong comparator, followed by stronger sales and like-for-like growth in December over the key Christmas trading weeks.”

Primark said that its womenswear product category was hit by poor sales across “cold weather and seasonal clothing” but added that performance, leisure and nightwear products still sold well. Sales of menswear and childrenswear clothing were up during the period.

The fashion retailer said it has made “good progress” with its ongoing store rollout programme in Europe and the US as it opened eight new stores, extended one store, right-sized two and relocated another during the period.

In terms of outlook, Primark said it is now targeting low-single digit sales growth this year but added that it remains “confident in the proposition”.

Adjusted operating profit margin at Primark is expected to remain in line with last year.