Primark sets new sales records as shoppers flood back to its stores

Primark has set sales records after post-lockdown demand surged. 

Several records were set in its stores following the easing of restrictions, the owner of the High Street retailer said. 

Associated British Foods (ABF) revealed that sales hit £1.6billion for the 16 weeks to June 19. 

Fashion frenzy: Primark owner Associated British Foods revealed that sales hit £1.6bn for the 16 weeks to June 19

The discount fashion business saw like-for-like sales rise by 3 per cent against pre-pandemic levels from the same quarter two years ago. 

Primark started the quarter with only one in five stores trading due to pandemic restrictions, with all of its stores now reopened. 

The group said it was particularly buoyed by ‘pent-up demand in the early weeks after reopening’ and is expecting trading to steady now restrictions have been significantly eased. 

John Bason, finance director at ABF, said shoppers were buying more items when they were finally able to return to shops following the latest national lockdown. 

He added: ‘People were filling up their shopping bags so we saw bigger average shops per customer.’ 

The company said shoppers have snapped up blazers and licensed clothing, although smart clothing and high heels have seen a slump in sales. 

Shares in ABF rose 4.8 per cent, or 107p, to 2323p