Primark, the value fashion chain under Associated British Foods, recorded a slight 1 per cent increase in revenue during Sep’25 – Dec’25. Improved trading in the UK helped counter softer results across parts of Europe.
Trading Snapshot
Overall revenue edged up by 1 per cent during the period. However, like-for-like sales declined by 2.7 per cent, reflecting weaker store traffic and a rise in promotional activity amid a challenging retail climate.
The UK delivered solid performance, with sales growing around 3 per cent and like-for-like sales rising 1.7 per cent despite a tough Christmas apparel market. Market share gains were supported by refreshed product assortments, competitive pricing, enhanced digital engagement and the ongoing rollout of Click & Collect services. Womenswear emerged as a key contributor to growth.
Across continental Europe, trading remained subdued. Like-for-like sales dropped approximately 5.7 per cent, largely due to cautious consumer spending. The company indicated that operational and merchandising improvements implemented in the UK are now being gradually introduced in European markets.
In the United States, continued store openings drove total sales growth of about 12 per cent, although consumer sentiment and footfall trends remained inconsistent. During the period, Primark also launched its first Kuwait store through a franchise arrangement, adding to international expansion.
Margin & Outlook
New store openings contributed roughly 4 per cent to group sales growth. Nevertheless, overall performance came in below internal expectations. Increased markdowns to manage stock levels placed pressure on margins.
For the first half of 2026, Primark anticipates low single-digit sales growth. If current trends continue, the full-year adjusted operating margin is expected to remain close to 10 per cent, as the retailer continues to invest in expansion and brand development.
Activewear Expansion in Ireland: 240-Piece Collection Signals Strategic Category Push
Separately, Primark has launched its largest-ever activewear range, a 240-piece collection spanning women’s, men’s and kidswear. The expanded offer includes performance apparel, lifestyle pieces, accessories and a new “Performance Beauty” line, positioning Primark as a more comprehensive activewear destination.
The collection introduces four new technical fabric platforms — Seamfree, Buttery Soft, Smooth Support and Body(sculpt) — designed to cater to different levels of activity. Leggings remain central to the strategy, with prices starting from £4.50/~$5.30, reinforcing Primark’s value positioning in a fast-growing segment. Activewear is currently the retailer’s fastest-growing category, with sales nearly doubling over the past year.
The launch is supported by a global campaign titled Every Move Counts, fronted by Rita Ora, who also introduces a Pilates-inspired capsule collection under her Primark collaboration.
Implications for Bangladesh’s RMG Sector
For Bangladesh’s ready-made garment sector, the developments present a mixed but generally stable outlook:
- Resilient UK demand may help sustain sourcing volumes.
- Expansion into technical activewear creates opportunities for Bangladesh manufacturers with performance fabric and athleisure capabilities.
- Strength in affordable womenswear aligns with Bangladesh’s core manufacturing capabilities.
- Ongoing expansions could translate into incremental sourcing potential.
However, heavier discounting and margin constraints suggest buyers may intensify price negotiations and focus more on efficiency, cost control and supply chain agility.
Bangladesh manufacturers that combine competitive pricing, compliance excellence and faster turnaround times are likely to remain strategic partners in Primark’s global sourcing network.
(Apparel Times BD News Desk)
