In a significant boost for south London's retail scene, fashion giant Primark has confirmed it will open its first new store in the capital for almost a decade. The budget retailer is set to take over a substantial part of the former Debenhams unit in the Wimbledon Quarter shopping centre, marking a major expansion in the area.
A Major Retail Investment for South London
The new Primark superstore will provide a massive 24,000 square feet of selling space on the ground floor of the Wimbledon Quarter. Construction work is scheduled to begin in the coming months, with the ambitious target of opening the doors to shoppers by the end of 2026. This move represents a key step in the ongoing repurposing of the large site left vacant by the departure of Debenhams.
Philippa Nibbs, Primark's Sales Director for London and the South East, expressed excitement about the development. "It's fantastic to announce our first new store in London as we enter our 40th year in the capital," she said. "We’ve had lots of requests over the years to open here so it’s great to finally make it happen." She confirmed that until the new store opens, customers can continue to visit existing branches in nearby Wandsworth and Tooting.
Celebrating 40 Years in London
The announcement holds special significance as Primark celebrates 40 years since opening its first London store in Woolwich in 1986. The retailer now operates 30 stores within the M25, including six flagship locations. Two of these are on Oxford Street, at Tottenham Court Road and Marble Arch, which attract thousands of international visitors weekly.
Primark's economic impact is substantial. The company supports 54,000 jobs across the UK. Market research indicates that a staggering 2.3 million people cite Primark as the main reason for visiting their high street each week. Furthermore, for every £10 spent in a Primark store, an additional £3.60 is generated for other local businesses. This spending support equates to around £1 billion for other retailers and £500 million for restaurants annually.
A Welcomed Addition to Wimbledon Quarter
Robert Cragg, Head of Asset Management at Romulus, the company behind Wimbledon Quarter, welcomed Primark's arrival. "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," he stated. He added that Primark strengthens the centre's vision as a destination that serves local people and brings the community together.
Retail agent Toby Sykes from Cushman & Wakefield, who advised on the deal, noted that Primark complements other recent arrivals like M&S, Oliver Bonas, and Hotel Chocolat. "Primark's arrival will also successfully complete the repurposing of the former Debenhams department store," he said, referencing other new tenants like the Third Space gym and Fortius Clinic.
The new store will offer Primark's full value range across men's, women's, and children's clothing, with further specifics about the offering to be revealed closer to the opening date. This development signals a strong vote of confidence in the future of physical retail in south London's town centres.
