By Bethany Gavaghan,Kris Boratyn
Copyright walesonline
One of Britain’s most prominent high street retailers has revealed it will close one of its UK outlets for the first time in more than a decade. Primark has confirmed its branch at The Orchards Shopping Centre in Dartford will shut permanently in the new year. The fashion chain operates over 190 stores nationwide and remains a go-to destination for budget-friendly clothing, home goods and beauty items. However, the Dartford site is now scheduled to cease trading after Christmas , although no specific closing date has been announced. A company representative said the choice was connected to the building’s state and the expenses required to upgrade it to acceptable standards. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here . Philippa Nibbs, Primark’s director of sales for the south and south east, said: “Following careful consideration, we’re proposing to close our Dartford store in the new year. “This proposal has been informed by the significant and extensive repair work the building requires. “Given its close proximity to two other Primark stores, the level of investment it needs simply isn’t viable”, reports the Express . The business confirmed the outlet will continue operating for the time being and promised additional information would be provided when possible. Workers at the Dartford location have been notified, with a consultation process now underway. The chain stated it would investigate ways to assist the shop’s 53 staff members, including possible transfers to other branches. Primark additionally expressed gratitude to shoppers for their loyalty and recognised that the closure would disappoint the surrounding area. Despite the closure of its Dartford store, Primark has two larger branches in close proximity. One is situated at the Bluewater shopping centre in Greenhithe, with the other in Bexleyheath. The company said these locations, offering a wider range of products, have affected footfall at the smaller Dartford branch. Primark, which opened its first English store in 1974, has grown to become one of the UK’s leading retailers. Although the Dartford store is closing, the company has not revealed any further plans to shut stores in Britain. This news follows similar reports from other high street chains. JD Sports recently confirmed it had closed 13 UK shops over the last six months due to weaker sales and “strained” shopper finances.
