Primark’s Rapid U.S. Expansion

ON FRIDAY, MAY 8, Irish retailer Primark (Dublin) opened its 40th U.S. store at Herald Square in New York. This milestone represents Primark’s rapid expansion in the American market in just over a decade.

Primark began as Penneys, and the first Penneys opened in Dublin in 1969. In 1971, Penneys expanded outside of Dublin with locations in Cork and Belfast. After a legal dispute with retailer JCPenney over the use of a similar name, the company rebranded as Primark in 1974.

The company is known today for selling low-cost fast-fashion apparel, accessories and home goods. Currently, there are approximately 480 Primark stores globally, the majority of which are in Europe. In 2015, Primark entered the U.S. market with its Boston flagship.

Currently, Primark has locations in 13 U.S. states, a majority of which opened in the last five years. In 2021, the company released its plans for U.S. expansion, with the ultimate goal of reaching 60 U.S. stores by 2026. Primark had 13 U.S. stores in 2021. While it initially stayed in the Northeast, it has recently opened stores in Texas, Florida and Illinois, among others.

Primark’s future U.S. expansion plans include a location in Minnesota’s Mall of America.

Primark has also entered the Middle East market, opening its first stores in Kuwait and Dubai in October 2025 and March 2026, respectively.