Primark's new 'supermarket tactic' to woo customers in online price war
Fast-fashion retailer Primark is cutting prices on hundreds of core items to remain competitive against low-cost online rivals like Shein and Temu. The move aims to stabilize sales as the company prepares for a potential spin-off from parent firm Associated British Foods.
Why it matters
This reflects a broader shift in the retail landscape where traditional brick-and-mortar stores are forced to adopt aggressive pricing strategies to counter the rapid growth of digital-first, ultra-low-cost competitors.
Image source, Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images Image caption, Primark said on Monday it would reduce prices by up to 29% across hundreds of items
It is something I keep hearing shoppers say when I ask them whether they shop at the fast-fashion giant.
"It's definitely got more expensive," says 19-year-old student Eshal Malik as she browses the jewellery at Primark with a friend.
But that might be about to change. Primark said on Monday that it was lowering prices on hundreds of clothing items, including jeans, jumpers and socks.
"It's the kind of headline you'd expect from M&S or Next," says retail analyst Natalie Berg, explaining that price cuts like this from such a low-cost retailer are surprising.
"You don't want to join a race to the bottom," she says. "But when Shein is selling dresses for £3, you've got to respond, right?"
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