Tiktok users were left concerned after ‘Primark closing down’ began trending online in February 2024.
However, the claim is a hoax and Primark is not closing down — but here’s everything we know about why this statement is trending.
Why is ‘Primark closing down’ trending?
In February 2024, ”Primark closing down” became an online trending phrase.
It came after rumours circulated on social media, suggesting the shop had closed its stores.
Fans of the fashion brand took to X, formerly Twitter, to vent their fury, with one writing: “Apparently Primark is closing all their stores across the UK???”
A second added: “Primark is bankrupt? And are closing all stores? I hope this is a rumour…”
A third penned: “No way Primark is closing down.”
Where did this rumour come from?
The rumour came from a TikTok video that stated that the store had closed its branches.
The video, posted by user @necroticjames, said: “Wait so primark is closing next month, tesco’s meal deals are now £5, netflix are releasing season 2 of the society and tiktok REMOVED filters?!?!?”
The video went viral and as of February 21 has over 62,000 views.
Is Primark actually closing down?
Fans can breathe a sigh of relief as the trending topic “Primark closing down” is merely the result of a hoax.
There’s no truth to the rumours and Primark remains open for business as usual.
Are Primark closing any stores?
No, they are in fact opening more stores.
On February 8, Primark confirmed plans to open new branches and invest and renovate more than a dozen of its existing shops.
It comes as part of a £75million investment in its UK store estate.
Primark previously revealed new shops will pop up in Bury St. Edmunds, Teesside Park and Glasgow Fort in 2024.
In 2025, branches are set to open in Epsom and Newbury.
Primark also announced plans to relocate several stores, such as those in Bradford, High Wycombe, and Bolton, to “new and improved sites.”
The company stated that investing millions of pounds into these stores this year would create 700 new jobs.
Kari Rodgers, UK Retail Director at Primark said: “We’ve changed a lot in the 50 years since we opened the doors on our first store in Great Britain in Derby back in 1974, but at our heart, we are still the same.
“We’re as committed as ever to offering the very best value on the high street and making great fashion more affordable and accessible for everyone.
“This latest investment will mean bigger and better stores, hundreds of new jobs across the country and shows our ongoing commitment to the UK high street.”
The fashion brand, originally known as Penneys, debuted its first store in Dublin, Ireland, in 1969.
It expanded to England with its first store opening in Derby in 1974.
Primark now has 192 stores across the UK.
