Primark to launch three new shops in US months after Birmingham flagship opening

Expansion takes the number of Primark shops in the US to 12

(PA)

Primark’s expansion shows no sign of stopping as the retailer has announced plans to open three new shops in the US.

On Thursday, the company announced it will be branching out into shops in New Jersey, Florida and Chicago in the next 12 months.

The addition of new sites will take Primark’s total number of branches across the Atlantic up to 12.

Speaking about the expansion, John Bason, finance director of Primark’s parent AB Foods, said it was a “considered” decision.

“We’ve got a model,” Bason said. “There is nobody quite like us.”

According to the company, Primark’s sales are up four per cent in the 40 weeks to 22 June and are continuing to rise.

“In the last few weeks our market share is up strongly,” said Bason. “We have the biggest increase in market share of any retailer.”

In addition to the company’s US expansion, it also revealed plans to open a new branch in Bonn, Germany.

The news comes three months after Primark opened its flagship shop in Birmingham, which is now home to a Disney-inspired café, restaurant and beauty studio.

The shop is the retailer’s largest shop to date and its 187th in the UK, spanning five floors across 160,000 sq ft.

For those looking for a pamper, experts from beauty studio Duck & Dry Xpress x Primark are on hand to offer head-to-toe treatments, while Mills x Primark barbers will cater to men in need of a slick cut, wet shave and facial.

Primark's flagship store on Oxford Street on November 5, 2014 in London, England (Getty)

Meanwhile, Harry Potter fans also have the chance to step into Hogwarts wizarding world with themed clothing, accessories and gifts inspired by the film franchise.

On the subject of the brand’s 372 shops in 11 countries, Bason said: “We’ve got a strong consumer proposition. We’ve got the great prices and are investing in the stores.”

Earlier this year, the company refuted claims that it plans to launch a trial online shopping experience for customers.

In April, a Primark spokesperson told The Independent that while the internet is an important platform for the retailer, online shopping is not currently on the cards.

“We have a strong digital and a rapidly growing social media presence, with currently 14 million followers. Our customers enjoy looking online at the latest offers, and coming into stores to buy," the spokesperson said.

“From time to time we will look at click-and-collect as one possible option to extend our customer service. However, there are no plans in the near future to trial click and collect.”