Primark celebrates 10 years in Italy with €22 million investment to expand store network

• New store locations include Cremona, Ancona and Gorizia.

• To support growth, Primark's first depot in Italy is set to become operational in 2027.

• Retailer also reinforces commitment to local communities, creating employment opportunities and giving back to local charities.

Primark, the international fashion retailer, marks 10 years in Italy with the announcement of a new €22 million investment to open three new stores and create 300 new jobs, as part of its continued expansion in Italy.

The retailer today confirms the new store locations are Cremona (Cremona Po shopping centre), Ancona (Grotte Center shopping centre) and Gorizia (Tiare Shopping centre).

Today, the retailer operates 20 stores across Italy and employs over 5,000 people. The three new stores announced today, along with the five additional new stores in Naples (two locations), Rome, Parma and Genoa, recently announced, means Primark’s total footprint in Italy will grow to 28 stores over the coming years.

Primark entered Italy in 2016 with its first store in Il Centro, Arese, opening with a team of 390 colleagues. Just eight months later, the retailer opened its second store in Brescia, reflecting the strong response from Italian customers and marking the start of its rapid expansion across the country. Since then, Primark has continued to grow, including the opening of its regional office and flagship high street store on Via Torino in Milan in 2022.

New phase of growth

To help support its growth, Primark is moving forward with its first depot in Italy. Located in Alessandria, the depot is expected to create more than 200 jobs and will support its expanding store network across the country. Working with partner SEGRO, construction is due to finish by the end of November 2026, with operations starting in 2027. The depot has been designed according to the highest environmental standards, reinforcing Primark's commitment to responsible growth.

Supporting communities across Italy

Understanding the significant role that retail plays in people’s lives, Primark continues to invest in the communities it serves. This year, Primark will support Special Olympics by donating 3,000 t-shirts to be used as official uniforms during the National Games and the World Games, scheduled for 2027. Alongside this, Primark is working with specialist partners including Adecco Foundation, UNHCR, Seconda Chance and Special Olympics to help remove barriers and create pathways into retail for people who may face challenges accessing employment.

Primark is committed to creating a positive and inclusive workplace for its 5,000 colleagues in Italy, with a strong focus on development, progression and supporting people at every stage of their careers. Many colleagues have built long-term careers with the business, supported by programmes such as ‘Grow with Us’ which continues to develop talent from entry level into management positions across stores and the regional office.

“This next phase of Primark in Italy is about more than just opening new stores,” said Luca Ciuffreda, Director of Primark Italy. “As we mark 10 years in the country, we want to thank our colleagues and our customers, who have been at the heart of our journey and growth so far. We will continue creating opportunities for our colleagues through our Grow with Us programme, supporting the communities we operate in, and expanding our presence with new stores, including in Cremona, Ancona and Gorizia”

“I proud to say I started my career journey at Primark 10 years ago as Manager of our first store in Arese. I’ve experienced first-hand how we’ve have listened closely to our customers, and this continues to guide how we grow and invest in Italy. Our focus remains on maintaining price leadership while delivering a great in-store experience. We are committed to offering our customers incredible fashion and everyday essentials that combine quality, value and are made to last.”

Primark is an international fashion retailer with more than 485 stores across 19 countries in Europe, the US and the Middle East.