Primark store sets new sales record

The discount fashion chain Primark achieved record takings of more than £820,000 at its flagship store in the West End of London on Saturday.

The best one-day performance of any Primark shop in its 41-year history came on the same day that the New West End Company held its annual car-free shopping promotion on Oxford Street and Regent Street in an attempt to lure Christmas shoppers. Primark in Oxford Street sold goods worth more than £820,000 on Saturday, taking its total for last week to nearly £4m. When the company, owned by Associated British Foods, opened its giant store near Marble Arch Tube station in April 2007, it led to a mini-riot that required the presence of police on horseback.

In the 53 weeks to 18 September, profits at Primark's 207 branches jumped by 35 per cent to £341m. Total sales rose 18 per cent to £2.73bn over the period. Primark declined to comment yesterday.