Primark ‘looking forward’ to reopening stores in NI ahead of expected green light later this week

Yesterday the retailer reopened stores across England and it has been reported that the clothing and homeware retailer is preparing to do the same here.

A company spokesperson said Primark was “really looking forward to welcoming our customers back to our stores in Northern Ireland”.

It comes ahead of an Executive meeting on Thursday, with ministers expected to give the go-ahead for non-essential retail to reopen from April 26.

The region’s nine Primark stores have been closed since a harsh lockdown was imposed from Boxing Day last year.

In a statement a Primark spokesperson said: “We are really looking forward to welcoming our customers back to our stores in Northern Ireland.

“Safety remains our top priority so that employees and customers can return to Primark with confidence.

“We know our customers will love our amazing new Spring/Summer ranges; bright leisurewear in spring pastels, as well as some exciting new collaborations with Disney and Pineapple, will all be in-store when we re-open.

“Primark will continue to have extensive safety measures in place across all stores for re-opening, including a strict social distancing protocol, limits on the number of customers allowed in store, requiring the use of face coverings in-store, hand sanitisation stations at store entrances,

“Perspex screens and cubicles at till points and increased in-store cleaning.”

When the popular store opened after previous lockdowns customers queued outside the different locations,

Shoppers outside Primark’s Castle Street store in Belfast had queued from 5.30am when restrictions lifted in June.

The outlet in Newtownabbey’s Abbey Centre opened for 33 hours in December as customers flocked to do their Christmas shopping.