Primark Celebrates 50 Years in Scotland with Fun Rebrand to ‘Preemark’

Primark has rebranded its stores in Scotland to ‘Preemark’ as part of celebrations marking the retailer’s 50th anniversary in the country. The campaign, which launched overnight across all 21 Scottish locations, aims to acknowledge the longstanding affection of Scottish shoppers for the brand.

The original Primark store opened in Hamilton in 1975, becoming the first outlet in Scotland. To commemorate this milestone, the company has transformed its Hamilton store, alongside branches on Edinburgh’s Princes Street and Glasgow’s Argyle Street, into ‘Preemark’ locations. The rebranding will remain in effect until August 24, 2024, featuring themed window displays in all Scottish stores.

Gavin O’Reilly, area manager for Primark Scotland West and Cumbria, stated, “Our loyal Scottish shoppers have been instrumental to our success over the last 50 years, so we thought it was high time we acknowledged it in true Primark style. It’s a proud moment for all our stores to be celebrating our milestone together with a fun ‘Preemark’ nod.”

The playful rebranding comes after Primark sought to clarify the pronunciation of its name. The viral discussion on social media highlighted various pronunciations, including the widely used ‘Pr-EYE-mark’ and the Scottish ‘Pr-EE-mark’. The company has now embraced the latter pronunciation, reinforcing its connection with local customers.

Since its inception, Primark has grown significantly in Scotland, operating more than 755,000 square feet of retail space and employing over 2,637 staff nationally. The retailer quickly garnered popularity, with shoppers flocking to the Hamilton store for deals that included women’s tweed coats for £9.50 and men’s V-neck Shetland jumpers for £2.85.

Over the years, Primark has adapted its offerings to meet the evolving demands of Scottish consumers. Notable items have included trendy velour tracksuits and Edinburgh-themed merchandise. The company has also developed exclusive products, like Scottish pyjamas and Euros T-shirts, catering specifically to local tastes.

Investment and Expansion Plans

Primark has invested over £20 million in refurbishments across its Scottish stores in the past three years, with plans to inject an additional £9 million over the next two years. This investment reflects the company’s commitment to enhancing the shopping experience in Scotland.

Kari Rodgers, UK retail director at Primark, commented, “The high streets and fashions have changed a lot over five decades in Scotland, and Primark has been there every step of the way. As we’ve evolved to meet this change in demand, our commitment to offering people great quality clothing at affordable prices is stronger than ever.”

Primark continues to innovate its in-store experience, introducing self-checkout facilities and Click and Collect services across all Scottish locations. The flagship store on Princes Street, spanning 73,900 square feet and offering stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, stands as a testament to the brand’s growth and popularity in the region.

With a total of 197 outlets across the UK, Primark remains a significant player in the retail landscape, providing employment for approximately 30,000 individuals nationwide. The transition to ‘Preemark’ not only highlights a celebration of its Scottish heritage but also the strong bond the retailer has built with its customers over the last five decades.