Primark has denied reports suggesting it is preparing to launch a home delivery service for the first time, insisting its position on online shopping “remains unchanged”.
Speculation began after reports emerged that the retailer had explored buying a former ASOS distribution centre in Lichfield, Staffordshire. The site was eventually bought by Marks & Spencer for more than £67 million as part of its own ecommerce expansion plans.
According to reports, the warehouse’s automated fulfilment setup led to suggestions that Primark could finally be preparing to offer nationwide online delivery. A source quoted in reports claimed the retailer “knows it needs to go online” to keep pace with changing shopping habits.
However, Primark has moved quickly to reject the claims. In a statement, a spokesperson said the company’s stance on home delivery had not changed and explained that the warehouse interest was linked to wider reviews of its logistics network.
The retailer added that any discussions around the site were connected to supporting future growth of its existing Click & Collect service in Great Britain.
Primark launched Click & Collect in 2022, allowing customers to browse selected items online before picking them up in-store. The service has since expanded across more UK locations, but the chain has repeatedly resisted moving into full ecommerce home delivery.
The company has long argued that its low-cost business model makes widespread home delivery difficult to offer profitably, particularly given the price of many of its products.
Despite avoiding online shipping, Primark continues to grow internationally. The retailer recently opened new stores in Dubai and Manhattan as part of its global expansion strategy.
