Spend slowdown hits Primark sales in Britain but Irish demand holds up

THE owner of discount fashion chain Penneys has reported sluggish sales in Britain although consumer demand is holding elsewhere in Europe, including Ireland.

As the recession bites deeper in Britain, Penneys — branded there as Primark — revealed a noticeable slowdown in trade. The company’s owners, Associated British Foods, said the chain’s half-year sales rose 3% — half the level achieved during its previous financial year.

AB Foods said while Primark traded well before Christmas, despite the bad weather, the mood had changed among British shoppers since January.