Bosses at fashion chain Primark have addressed speculation suggesting they will offer special sales when they reopen all their stores across the UK.

The company is set to reopen all of its 153 stores in England on June 15, as part of the UK government’s plans to ease lockdown restrictions.

Branches are set to open across Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland as soon as rules are relaxed in each country.

Will Primark hold any sales when they reopen?

Since the clothing retailer has built up double its normal stockholding, customers might be expecting sales or discounts, however the chain said there would be no "special discounting,” so shoppers won’t be able to get their hands on any reduced goods.

A spokesman for Primark’s owners, Associated British Foods (ABF) said: “The stock will be sold in the normal course of business, albeit at a later date.”

During the lockdown period, which saw Primark close its doors in March, the retailer has built up almost £2 billion worth of stock to sell.

It also has a commitment to suppliers to buy another £400 million worth of stock. The chain usually holds stock worth £900 million in total.

Primark said that this year, the excess stock mainly comprises non-fashion and non-seasonal ranges, alongside some excess spring-summer goods.

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Which stores will open?

While Primark stores in England will open on June 15, the chain added: “We are still awaiting further clarification and local government guidance regarding reopening dates for our stores in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.”

What safety measures will be in place?

Numerous new measures will be in place when stores reopen.

Primark said: “Employee and customer safety is the highest priority in our preparations for re-opening.

To help provide a safe environment in stores for our employees and as we welcome back customers, social distancing protocols, hand sanitiser, perspex screens at tills and additional store cleaning will be among the measures in place.”

Primark is currently closely following all government safety advice, alongside applying experience gained from their store openings across Europe.

Primark CEO, Paul Marchant, said: “As we reopen our stores in England, nothing matters more than the health and wellbeing of our colleagues and customers.

“We have really missed our customers and we are delighted to be back on 15 June and able to provide them with the quality, affordable products they love from Primark.”

Mr Marchant adds: “We will adopt all government safety advice as a minimum in our stores and have benefited from our experience in the other markets in Europe where we have already opened successfully.”

Primark is putting a range of health and safety measures in place in all stores, including:

A strict social distancing protocol

  • Limits on the number of customers allowed in store at any one time.
  • Clear signage and floor decals, as well as dedicated employees and additional security staff, to guide customers through the store in a way that limits contact with others.
  • Every second till will be closed to allow more space between customers and between employees.

Personal protection for employees and customers

  • Hand sanitiser stations at the entrance and on the shop floor and back of house for employee and customer use.
  • Face masks and gloves will be made available to all Primark employees.
  • Perspex screens have been installed on tills to protect customers and employees.

Increased in-store cleaning

  • Increased cleaning of the store, particularly around high frequency touchpoints such as tills, escalators, lifts, and employee areas in the back of house.