Primark delivers sales growth in ‘difficult’ market
Primark owner Associated British Foods has said the fashion retailer had a challenging start to its financial year.
In the 16 weeks to 3 January, Primark delivered a total sales increase of around 3% in the UK, with like-for-like sales growth of 1.7% in what ABF described as a difficult clothing market.
Growth in market share was driven by an enhanced product offer, improved price perception and increased digital customer engagement. One of the best performing categories was womenswear.
Meanwhile, like-for-like sales in Europe fell by around 5.7%.
As sales growth in the period was below previous expectations, ABF now expects Primark sales growth to be in the low single digits in the first half of 2026.
George Weston, chief executive of Associated British Foods, said: “Primark has had a challenging start to the financial year, with a mixed performance.
“In the UK, focused actions and investments to strengthen our customer proposition have driven improved trading and market share gains, while trading has remained weak in continental Europe.
“In a challenging consumer environment, our focus is on factors within our control, including initiatives now underway in Europe aimed at improving performance.
“We are also making good progress to deliver Primark’s medium and longer-term growth opportunities.”
