Primark dips toe into online sales
STORE TO TRIAL CLICK AND COLLECT SERVICE
BUDGET fashion giant Primark is to launch a click and collect service for the first time.
The high street heavyweight has refused to join rivals in selling clothes online until now, arguing the low prices it charges makes it uneconomic.
The new venture, to begin as a trial later this year, differs slightly because customers order items online and then pick them up from its shops.
George Weston, CEO of Primark owner Associated British Foods (ABF), said: “When people come to collect their purchase, they are likely to buy something else in store.”
The trial will begin with 2000 children’s products, from clothes to furniture, with 25 stores in north-west England. Unlike some other retailers, the stock will not come from the stores themselves but will be dispatched from a new dedicated depot.
Customers will not pay extra for click and collect.
“If it works we will look at other categories,” Weston added.
However, there is no sign that Primark will go further and launch a fullblown online selling arm, with deliveries to customers’ homes.
It came as ABF announced takings at Primark in the UK rose to four per cent below pre-Covid levels in the 12 weeks to the end of May.
Among its big sellers were a Stranger Things collection, launched to coincide with the new series of the Netflix smash hit.
Sales across ABF jumped 32 per cent to just over £4billion.
A four per cent rise in the group’s grocery arm – which includes Twinings tea and Ryvita – was mainly driven by it putting up prices.
Primark’s prices are due to begin rising from next month.