Bots and bargains: Zara owner launches cut-price Lefties in UK to rival Primark
Zara owner Inditex has opened the first UK branch of its budget fashion chain Lefties in Liverpool, aiming to compete with Primark, Shein and supermarket clothing ranges. The launch matters because it introduces a rapidly expanding low-cost retailer with both physical shops and nationwide online delivery, while using automation to lower operating costs and speed up store processes.
The Liverpool One shop uses basket-scanning self-checkouts, robotic hanger sorting and automated fitting-room returns; two further UK stores are planned for Lakeside in Essex and the Metrocentre near Newcastle this year. Lefties, founded in 1999 to sell Zara leftovers but now operating its own ranges, offers clothing, shoes and homewares across 20 countries and 225 stores; its dresses average £18, compared with £16 at Primark and £18.50 on Shein, while bras start at £7.99.
- Lefties opens its first UK store in Liverpool.
- Robots help cut staffing and sorting costs.
- Inditex targets Primark, Shein and supermarket rivals.
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Lefties is a clothing chain owned by Inditex, the Spanish group behind Zara. It began in 1999 selling leftover Zara stock, but has since developed its own ranges of clothing, shoes and homewares and expanded to 20 countries.
The chain sells mainly lower-priced goods, putting it alongside retailers such as Primark, Shein and supermarkets with clothing ranges. Its mix of shops and online delivery means it can reach customers both on the high street and across the UK.
Automation is part of how Lefties runs its shops, including systems for payment, sorting hangers and returning clothes from fitting rooms. The business is expanding internationally, bringing a new competitor into Britain’s budget fashion market.
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