60% of Penneys-Primark Europe retail space hit by Covid closures

Penneys, The Mall, Tralee, Co Kerry, one of 36 Irish stores, and 153 in England, which are being temporarily closed this week due to the pandemic. Picture: Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus

The temporary closure of 36 stores in the Republic of Ireland and the anticipated shuttering of 153 outlets in England this week will mean that almost 60% of all Penneys-Primark retail space will be shut during the second wave of Covid-19 lockdowns across Europe, at a cost of £375m (€417m) in lost sales, its owner has revealed. 

Penneys-Primark, which has its head offices in Ireland is owned by Associated British Foods (ABF), and was one of the fastest-growing clothes retailers despite the crisis facing many other fashion retailers even before the onset of the Covid-19 crisis.