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Primark brings forward home deliveries plan by two years after profits slide
Primark plans to start UK home deliveries by December 2027, bringing the launch forward by about two years as it seeks new customers after profits fell. Its owner, Associated British Foods (ABF), says the service could reach shoppers who live too far from a store or prefer to shop online.
Primark will take over a robot-assisted warehouse in Sheffield from Boohoo by the middle of next year and is preparing suppliers to fulfil individual orders. Sales rose 4% to £9.8bn in the year to 12 September, but profits fell 10% to £1bn; established-store sales were weak in the UK, Europe and the US. Primark plans to expand deliveries to mainland Europe later, with no date yet, and ABF intends to spin off the chain in December 2027.
In short
- Primark aims to begin UK home deliveries by December 2027.
- A Sheffield warehouse deal has accelerated the launch.
- Sales grew, but profits fell 10% to £1bn.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Bringing deliveries forward could help Primark reach customers who cannot easily get to a store and those who prefer online shopping, potentially supporting growth as established-store sales weaken. Using the Sheffield warehouse and preparing suppliers for individual orders may allow the retailer to test this route while broadening convenience for shoppers.
The case against
Launching home delivery requires investment and operational changes at a time when Primark’s profits have fallen, so the service could add costs before it proves it can attract enough new business. Some may also argue that online expansion risks distracting from improving store performance, while the planned spin-off makes the timing and long-term ownership of the investment relevant.
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