Key Points
- Primark announces its first new store in London in almost a decade at Wimbledon Quarter, southwest London.
- The store will occupy 24,000 square feet (sq ft) on the ground floor of the former Debenhams unit.
- Construction to begin in the coming months, targeting opening by late 2026 or early 2027.
- Store will offer women’s, men’s, children’s clothing, beauty, and home products.
- Announcement coincides with Primark’s 40th anniversary in London, first store opened in Woolwich in 1986.
- Primark operates 11 stores in London and 30 within the M25; nearly 200 in the UK overall.
- Philippa Nibbs, Director of Sales for London and the South East at Primark, stated: “It’s fantastic to announce our first new store in London as we enter our 40th year in the capital. We’ve had lots of requests over the years to open here so it’s great to finally make it happen.”
- Robert Cragg, Head of Asset Management at Romulus, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Primark to Wimbledon Quarter. Their arrival is a fantastic boost for the local community and brings greater choice for everyday shopping right to the heart of Wimbledon.”
- Toby Sykes, International Partner at Cushman & Wakefield, added: “Primark further strengthens Wimbledon Quarter’s appeal and diverse retail offering, complementing the other new and upsized retail tenants, including M&S, Oliver Bonas, Hotel Chocolat, Rituals, and So Shell Nails.”
- Craig Hurring, CEO of Love Wimbledon, commented: “The arrival of Primark is a hugely positive addition to the retail offer in Wimbledon Town Centre.”
- Wimbledon Quarter features other brands like M&S, Oliver Bonas, Boots, Hotel Chocolat; recent additions in food, fitness, leisure, workspace.
- Primark contributes £2.6 billion to UK economy, supports 54,000 jobs; every £10 spent generates £3.60 for high street.
- Romulus advised by Cushman & Wakefield and P-Three.
Primark Announces Landmark Store Opening in Wimbledon
Primark, the Irish value fashion retailer, has unveiled plans for its first new London store in nearly a decade, selecting Wimbledon Quarter in southwest London as the location. The 24,000 sq ft outlet will repurpose part of the former Debenhams department store, with construction set to commence soon and an opening eyed for late 2026 or early 2027.
This development marks a significant moment for the retailer as it celebrates 40 years in the capital, where it first launched in Woolwich in 1986. The announcement underscores Primark’s strategy of proximity retail, targeting areas with strong residential footfall and transport links like Wimbledon.
What is the location and size of Primark’s new Wimbledon store?
The new Primark will occupy 24,000 sq ft on the ground floor at Wimbledon Quarter, Queen’s Road, in the heart of Wimbledon town centre. As reported by the Wimbledon Quarter official site, the store takes over part of the former Debenhams unit, completing its repurposing alongside fitness provider Third Space and healthcare firm Fortius.
As detailed in Modaes by Nuria Pasarin, Primark confirmed the new store will operate in this 24,000-square-foot space within the shopping centre. Merton Chamber of Commerce reported the span as 24,000 sq ft on the ground floor, offering menswear, womenswear, kidswear, home and more.
Love Wimbledon echoed this, noting the 24,000 sq ft of selling space for great value clothing across mens, womens, and kids, plus home and more. Retail Gazette confirmed the 24,000 sq ft footprint in the former Debenhams unit.
When will Primark’s Wimbledon store open?
Construction work begins in the coming months, with Primark targeting an opening later this year or early 2027. As stated on the Wimbledon Quarter site, plans aim for the end of 2026 or early 2027, with further details to follow closer to the date.
Philippa Nibbs, Director of Sales for London and the South East at Primark, remarked in a statement covered by Merton Chamber: “Construction is expected to begin in the coming months, with the store aiming to open by the end of 2026 or early 2027.” Love Wimbledon quoted her adding: “We’re looking forward to sharing more as we get nearer to opening, and in the meantime customers can continue to visit our nearby stores in Wandsworth and Tooting.”
Modaes reported: “Primark will start construction work in the coming months and is targeting an opening ‘later this year or early 2027’.”
What products will Primark sell at Wimbledon?
The store will feature Primark’s full range, including women’s, men’s, and children’s collections, beauty, and home items. Moda.es highlighted that these categories, particularly beauty and home, have gained prominence to boost visit frequency and basket size.
As per Merton Chamber, it offers “Primark’s full range of great value menswear, womenswear, kidswear, home and more”. Wimbledon Quarter specified “great-value fashion for women, men and kids, alongside homeware and beauty”.
Love Wimbledon noted “an extensive range of the great value clothing across mens, womens and kids that Primark is famous for, alongside home and plenty more”. Retail Gazette listed women’s, men’s and children’s wear ranges, plus beauty and homeware.
Why is this Primark opening significant for London?
Primark describes Wimbledon as its first new London location in almost ten years, breaking a long pause in capital expansion. Philippa Nibbs told Love Wimbledon: “It’s fantastic to announce our first new store in London as we enter our 40th year in the capital. We’ve had lots of requests over the years to open here so it’s great to finally make it happen.”
The retailer operates 11 stores in London proper and 30 within the M25, including flagships like two on Oxford Street, Tottenham Court Road, and Marble Arch. Moda.es noted nearly 200 UK stores total.
Secret London positioned it as a sizeable addition in southwest London alongside Oliver Bonas, Boots, M&S, and Hotel Chocolat. This choice of a former Debenhams site signals commitment to large-volume spaces post-department store closures.
Who has welcomed Primark’s arrival in Wimbledon?
Local leaders expressed enthusiasm. Robert Cragg, Head of Asset Management at Romulus, stated on Wimbledon Quarter: “Their arrival is a fantastic boost for the local community and brings greater choice for everyday shopping right to the heart of Wimbledon. Together with the raft of new openings across food, fitness, leisure and workspace that have joined us recently, Primark’s new store strengthens our vision of Wimbledon Quarter as a welcoming destination that truly serves local people and brings the community together.”
He told Merton Chamber: “Primark’s arrival is a fantastic boost for the local community and brings greater choice for everyday shopping right to the heart of Wimbledon.”
Craig Hurring, CEO of Love Wimbledon, commented as reported on their site: “The arrival of Primark is a hugely positive addition to the retail offer in Wimbledon Town Centre, and the perfect start to a year in which we will see further new retailers, hospitality businesses and hotels arrive here, driving further investment and spending, while creating new jobs for the local area.”
Toby Sykes, International Partner at Cushman & Wakefield, said to Love Wimbledon: “Primark’s arrival will also successfully complete the repurposing of the former Debenhams department store, alongside Third Space and Fortius, one of Europe’s leading private healthcare providers.”
What is Primark’s broader impact in the UK?
Primark contributes significantly to the economy. Independent research by Public First, cited by Love Wimbledon, shows Primark adds £2.6 billion to the UK economy and supports 54,000 jobs. Additionally, 2.3 million people visit high streets mainly for Primark weekly; every £10 spent generates £3.60 more for the high street, supporting £1 billion in other stores and £500 million in restaurants annually.
Modaes reported Primark’s last financial year (ended September 2025) saw sales grow 1% to £9,489 million ($12.7 billion), with operating profit at £1,120 million ($1.5 billion), up 1.8%. The group, founded in Ireland in 1969, has over 470 stores in 18 countries, employing more than 80,000.
Romulus, owner of Wimbledon Quarter, was advised by Cushman & Wakefield and P-Three in this deal.
How does this fit into Wimbledon Quarter’s revival?
Wimbledon Quarter has revitalised post-Debenhams, adding retail like M&S, Oliver Bonas, Hotel Chocolat, Rituals, So Shell Nails, plus food, fitness, leisure, and workspace. Toby Sykes noted to Merton Chamber that Primark complements these, strengthening the mix.
The Wimble highlighted it among 2026 hopes for Wimbledon. UKREIIF reported construction progress subject to timelines. Primark teased on LinkedIn: “Game… Set… Match… Can you guess our next new store location…? New UK Postcode: Primark Wimbledon Quarter, Queen’s Road, London.”
This expansion arrives amid retail challenges, yet Primark’s model thrives on volume in community hubs. For professionals eyeing retail, Retail Training equips teams with strategies to navigate such market shifts and drive footfall in evolving high streets.