Primark has opened a large new store in Epsom, marking another step in its continued expansion across the United Kingdom. The 31,400 square foot outlet, located in the Ashley Centre, welcomed customers for the first time on March 25.
The opening reflects ongoing investment in physical retail spaces at a time when high streets are still adjusting to shifting consumer habits. According to the reported details, the launch drew attention from local shoppers and signals renewed activity in regional shopping centres.
A Major Retail Opening Brings Jobs and Footfall to Epsom
The new Primark store occupies the former House of Fraser unit within the Ashley Centre, placing it at the heart of Epsom’s retail environment. Spread across two floors, the shop offers a wide range of products including womenswear, menswear, childrenswear, footwear, accessories, beauty items, and home goods.
According to the original report, the store includes escalators, unisex changing rooms, and self-service tills, reflecting the brand’s standardised layout in newer locations. The opening day featured a live DJ, an approach often used by the retailer to attract early footfall and create a sense of event around new launches.
The development has also created employment opportunities in the area. More than 90 retail roles have been filled to staff the new outlet, contributing to the local economy. Louisa Butters of CBRE Investment Management, which owns the Ashley Centre, said the arrival of Primark would “drive additional footfall” and strengthen the centre’s position within Epsom’s retail offering.
According to her statement, the opening builds on momentum generated by a recent refurbishment of the shopping centre, suggesting a broader effort to revitalise the location and attract major high street brands.
New Store Highlights Primark’s Ongoing UK Growth Strategy
The Epsom launch represents Primark’s 199th store in the UK, placing it close to a significant milestone for its domestic operations. The retailer continues to expand its presence despite wider challenges facing brick-and-mortar retail.
According to store manager Ewa Klepczuk, the team had worked extensively to prepare for opening day, with a focus on delivering both product range and customer experience. She noted that the store’s offering includes the latest spring collection, featuring items such as linen garments, satin slip dresses, and tailored blazers, with prices starting from £12.
The new location also introduces click-and-collect services, aligning with broader retail trends that blend online convenience with in-store pickup. According to the available information, this service is becoming an increasingly important part of Primark’s customer strategy.
Epsom now joins nearby locations including Sutton, Kingston, and Guildford, reinforcing the brand’s regional network. The clustering of stores within accessible distance suggests a focus on maintaining strong local coverage rather than relying solely on larger flagship destinations.
For the Ashley Centre, the addition of a high-profile tenant marks a notable shift following recent redevelopment efforts. According to CBRE Investment Management, the store’s opening signals the beginning of what it describes as a new chapter for the shopping destination, with expectations of increased visitor numbers in the months ahead.
