Primark has reached its 50th anniversary on the British high street, a notable achievement in a retail landscape transformed by the rise of online shopping and the decline of department stores. From its humble beginnings in Derby in 1973, where shoppers bought tweed coats for £9.50 and 99p blouses, Primark has grown into a fast-fashion giant with 450 stores across 17 countries and annual sales of £9bn. Known for its low prices and catwalk-inspired styles, Primark earned the nickname "Primarni" and expanded through acquisitions like Littlewoods. Despite criticism over its environmental impact and labor conditions, Primark has resisted the online shopping trend, though it recently began trialing a click-and-collect service.
