Primark, the beloved high street fashion retailer, has announced plans to permanently close the in-store cafes at four of its UK branches. The move is part of a wider review of store space and concessions.
Which Primark Stores Are Losing Their Cafes?
The budget chain has confirmed that the quirky themed cafes at the following locations will shut their doors over the coming year: Glasgow's Braehead shopping centre, Edinburgh's Princes Street, Birmingham High Street, and Belfast's Royal Avenue.
These cafes have become known for their playful, rotating themes—such as Hello Kitty, Shrek, and Stranger Things—offering food and drinks inspired by popular characters.
Why Is Primark Making These Changes?
A Primark spokesperson explained the decision, stating the company is constantly reviewing its stores to improve the shopping experience. "As we've expanded our own product offering, we are adapting our spaces so that each store is best set up to cater to local customer preferences," they said.
The spokesperson added that the review of in-store concessions is about maximising space, with decisions based on each store's size and location. The closures will be managed over the next 12 months and beyond.
What Does This Mean for Staff and Customers?
Despite a social media video that appeared to show cafe staff facing redundancy, Primark has clarified that no Primark employees are currently impacted by these planned closures. The cafes are often operated by external concession partners.
"We appreciate it may impact some of our partners and we're committed to managing this process with care and transparency, supporting them throughout," the company's statement concluded.
For shoppers, the change means the loss of a popular pit-stop in these specific stores, but Primark's core offering of affordable clothing, shoes, and accessories remains unaffected.
