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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Rachel Pugh & James Andrews & Lorna Hughes

Primark reveals full list of UK stores that have struggled after coronavirus downturn

Primark has revealed which of its stores are quieter after the coronavirus lockdown - and it might not be the ones you expect.

The high street giant has become known for its long queues and ever-ringing tills, as it reopened to huge crowds in June.

But the way we shop has changed because of the pandemic, and Primark isn't immune. 

It says sales at retail parks are up - and shopping centre and regional high streets have remained the same, the Manchester Evening News reports.

But more than half the drop off in sales can be linked to just four of its 189 stores - those in Manchester, Birmingham, London's Oxford Street and Edinburgh.

In a statement, Primark owner Associated British Foods (ABF) said: "By store the performance has varied, reflecting the current circumstances of our customers including increased home working, less commuting and much less tourism.

"Sales at our stores in retail parks are higher than a year ago.  Shopping centre and regional high street stores are broadly in line with last year and large destination city centre stores, which are heavily reliant on tourism and commuters, have seen a significant decline in footfall."

But while customer numbers are down, people visiting are buying more each on each trip.

Primark said the average basket size was "initially significantly higher" than last year because of pent-up demand.

Overall, the chain said it was encouraged with how things have gone since it started trading again.

ABF said: "Compared to pre-Covid-19, sales performance since reopening has in aggregate been reassuring and encouraging."

It also emphasised its safety measures, including additional dividers at tills, and said customer feedback had been positive.

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