Shoppers flock to flagship Primark store

Hundreds of “fast fashion” fans flocked to the opening of Primark’s flagship store today.

Less than two hours after doors opened, shoppers were being let into the packed premises on a one in, one out basis.

A queue from the Oxford Street store’s main entrance snaked round a corner, kept in check by several police officers.

Inside, more than 100 shoppers waited in line to pay at the tills.

The 70,000 square-foot London store sells clothes for men, women and children and homeware.

A £15 (€22) shiny, linen, spring coat was one of the best-selling items this morning.

Breege O’Donoghue, a Primark director, said: “We knew we were going to be busy, but this has exceeded all expectations.

“The customers said they wanted to be in this store on the day that it opened.”

Shoppers carried off their purchases in brown paper carrier bags, which Primark is phasing in to replace plastic bags.

Nursing student Jennifer Barr was waiting to pay for a basket full of goods at the till.

The 32-year-old from north London said: “This is Primark’s Marble Arch – it’s a bit different to Primark Wembley or Kilburn. It’s bigger, with more variety and more clothes and they’ve got new stuff here.

“I’m a fan because you don’t have to pay lots to look good. You can dress in here for a reasonable price and look good.”

One of the few men waiting to pay was Glen Hyde from south London. The 22-year-old shop worker said he made a special trip to the Primark opening on his day off.

“It is cheap and good quality for what you are getting,” he said.

Primark is famous for its “fast fashion”, which is when catwalk trends are quickly turned into more cheaply priced clothes for the high street.