Primark Eyes Major U.S. Expansion After New York Flagship Launch

Irish retailer Primark, known for its affordable fast fashion, is looking to expand further in the United States after debuting a flagship store in New York City, Falyn Stempler reported for Irish Star.

Primark entered the U.S. in 2015 with its first store in Boston—a city with strong Irish ties. (Photo: Primark)

Originally founded as Penneys, the retailer opened in Dublin in 1969 under businessman Arthur Ryan.

It expanded internationally in 1974 with a store in Derby, England, where it adopted the name Primark to avoid confusion with U.S. retailer JCPenney. The UK is now Primark’s largest market, with more than 190 stores.

The company began expanding beyond Ireland and the UK two decades ago, opening a major store in Madrid in 2006. Spain has since become one of its largest markets.

Primark entered the U.S. in 2015 with its first store in Boston—a city with strong Irish ties.

The company has continued to grow its international footprint, including in the U.S. and the Middle East, while largely avoiding e-commerce to maintain low prices.