Companies

Primark reports sales growth in the third quarter despite retail headwinds

Jul 3, 2026 United Kingdom

The UK-based fashion retailer has reported a 4% increase in third-quarter revenue, supported by new stores, despite weaker consumer demand across several key markets

“The Group delivered a resilient trading performance in the third quarter. While the retail environment remained challenging in most markets, Primark continued to strengthen its customer proposition, including new product launches, a sharper focus on price and increased investment in marketing, particularly digital. We are making good progress and there is more to come”, said George Weston, Chief Executive of Associated British Foods.

Third-Quarter Trading Update

In the 16 weeks up to the 20^thof June, Primark’s total revenue amounted to 2.9 billion British pounds (3.38 billion euros), reflecting a 4% increase (or 3% on a constant-currency basis) compared to the same period of the previous financial year.

AB Foods, which is in the process of spinning off the Primark business, reported that new store openings contributed 5% to the company’s growth, with strong performances in key growth markets such as Europe, the US and the Middle East. However, like-for-like sales declined by 2.2%.

In the UK, Primark reported a 1% growth in sales in the third quarter, with like-for-like sales remaining broadly flat. Trading was strong in March but slowed in April and May due to geopolitical tensions and poor weather, before recovering in June. Its performance was also supported by increased marketing investment and stronger digital engagement.

In continental Europe, Primark’s third-quarter sales fell by 1% year-on-year, with like-for-like sales dropping by 3.6% due to weak consumer confidence. In response, the retailer is strengthening its value proposition, improving in-store execution, increasing digital marketing and focusing on its core customer base, while expanding integrated marketing campaigns across key European markets.

In contrast, sales in the US increased by 16% during the quarter, driven by three new store openings, including the retailer’s first location in Manhattan, which has boosted brand awareness. Meanwhile, its franchise business in Dubai and Kuwait performed strongly despite challenging market conditions.

In the year-to-date, the retailer reported a total revenue of 7.57 billion British pounds (8.83 billion euros), reflecting a 4% increase (or a 2% increase on a constant-currency basis). However, total like-for-like sales decreased by 2.5%.

“There is no change to our guidance for 2026”, reads Primark’s statement. “In a challenging consumer environment, including the impact of the Middle East conflict, we continue to expect Primark to deliver an adjusted operating profit margin for the full year of approximately 10%”.

1 GBP = 1.17 EUR

Image Credits: wwd.com

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