Primark opens 1.1m sq ft DC

Primark has opened its new 1.1million sq ft warehouse in Islip, Northamptonshire. The warehouse is set to generate upwards of 200 new job positions throughout this year, and the retailer is currently recruiting for the site.

Primark is also building a 56,000 sq m warehouse at Roosendaal between Antwerp and Rotterdam to be the hub serving its northern European network of retail stores.

In its trading update for the 16 weeks to 2 January, Primark’s parent, Associated British Foods, said construction work was underway at Roosendaal and it would open later in the year.

Sales at Primark were seven per cent ahead of last year at constant currency in line with the increase in retail selling space over the year.

“As expected, operating profit margin in the period was lower than last year, as a result of the stronger US dollar,” the group said. “However, the margin reduction was lower than initially envisaged as a result of both an excellent performance from our buying teams and a lower level of markdowns arising from a well-managed stock position.”