Primark

Primark is a multinational fast fashion retailer headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. It operates under the name Primark in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Slovenia, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, the United States and Romania. In other countries, specifically in its early expansion into mainland Europe, it formerly traded under the name Penneys, which remains its brand name in Ireland.

Primark is known for offering clothing, accessories, footwear, homeware and beauty products at very low prices. This business model relies on high volumes of sales and cost-effective sourcing and production methods. The company is a subsidiary of Associated British Foods (ABF).

Primark's rapid expansion has made it a significant player in the fast fashion industry, but it has also faced scrutiny regarding its labor practices and environmental impact. The company has implemented various initiatives to address these concerns, including committing to sustainable cotton sourcing and improving transparency in its supply chain. However, challenges related to wages, working conditions, and environmental sustainability within its global supply network remain ongoing topics of discussion.

The first Penneys store opened in Dublin in 1969. The brand expanded to the UK in 1973 under the name Primark to avoid legal issues with the American retailer J.C. Penney. Since then, Primark has grown to become one of the leading fast fashion retailers in Europe and the United States.