Irish discount fashion retailer; 476 shops in Europe and the US
Primark is expanding from click-and-collect to offer home delivery in Great Britain, following the acquisition of a highly automated Sheffield fulfilment facility. ABF reaffirms Primark's growth plans amid a drop in group profits, with a planned Primark demerger by end-2027 to unlock potential FTSE 100 listing.
Markets are stabilising after a stretch of high activity in tech options, with traders shifting focus as implied volatility cools. Small caps are leading potential next moves, while global equities reflect a policy-led, carry-friendly regime.
The government has moved up the removal of the de minimis import relief to October 2028, after discussions with industry. Retailers call the timeline still too slow, arguing it leaves UK high streets at a competitive disadvantage to foreign online sellers.
Primark is expanding in the United States, opening stores in Willowbrook Mall (Houston area) and Castleton Square Mall (Indianapolis). Both locations will be about 30,000 square feet in size, joining a growing U.S. footprint that now reaches 44 stores. The openings follow a New York City flagship and reflect Primark’s strategy to prioritize brick-and-mortar growth in established malls.
A wave of bold walk-on outfits and brand-driven looks marks a turning point at Wimbledon, with Naomi Osaka and others turning sartorial moments into strategic statements. The trend is drawing attention from players, sponsors, and analysts as fashion and sport collide on Centre Court.
A slate of Guardian and Independent pieces looks back at iconic robots and sci‑fi cinema, while The Guardian surveys TV droids and the Independent reflects on why Stranger Things resonated with Gen Z, noting nostalgia for pre‑tech life.
Sainsbury’s has agreed to sell Argos and the Habitat brand to Swift Partners. The deal will complete in February 2027 with full separation by 2029. Argos will continue to operate normally during the transition, and staff will transfer to Swift. The move allows Sainsbury’s to focus on its core groceries business.
Shein's Hong Kong listing is priced lower than hoped, valuing the company around $26.3 billion. Trading began shakily, with early losses narrowing as markets digest regulatory twists, tax changes, and weak consumer sentiment that have weighed on the fast-fashion group after a rapid ascent.
Inditex’s Lefties opens its first UK store in Liverpool, featuring robotics to sort clothes and a new online-first proposition. The move, part of a broader UK expansion, targets a budget-conscious segment and faces competition from Primark, Shein and others. The retailer plans more UK outlets based on early performance.
Associated British Foods has reported a forthcoming update on fourth-quarter trading, with Primark leading sales amid a volatile retail climate. Analysts expect a potential late-summer boost from price reductions on hundreds of clothing items, while ABF prepares to spin Primark off as a standalone FTSE 100 entity by 2027. The update also flags pressure from higher gas costs and a weaker sugar division.
The John Lewis Partnership has reported a pre-tax loss of £124m for the six months to August 1, widening from £88m the previous year, while Waitrose sales rise and department stores dip. The group cites a challenging trading environment, transformation costs, and higher national insurance as key factors, with caution on the second half ahead of peak Christmas trading.