Skip to main content
BoF Logo

The Business of Fashion

Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

Primark Commits to Pay Suppliers £370 Million for Orders

The fast fashion retailer, which has shut all stores due to the coronavirus crisis, had previously only committed to covering orders that were in transit or booked for shipment.
Primark store | Source: Shutterstock
By
  • Reuters

LONDON, United Kingdom — Fashion retailer Primark has committed to pay suppliers for £370 million ($461 million) of orders, though all its stores are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

All of Primark's 376 stores in 12 countries have been closed since March 22, representing a loss of £650 million of net sales per month.

The retailer, owned by Associated British Foods, had previously only committed to paying for orders that were in transit or booked for shipment by March 18.

However, it said on Monday that following talks with suppliers it would pay for an additional £370 million of orders that were either in production or finished, and planned for handover by April 17.

ADVERTISEMENT

The new commitment brings Primark’s total stock both owned and committed to nearly £2 billion while its stores remain closed.

Primark said on March 23 it had informed suppliers that it would stop placing new orders. It said on Monday it hoped to re-commence placing future orders for Autumn/Winter stock once there is further clarification of the reopening of stores.

The retailer has also established a fund to make sure workers are paid as soon as possible for work on Primark products that were in production.

AB Foods, whose shares have fallen 23 percent so far this year, will publish first half results on Tuesday.

By James Davey; editor: Michael Holden.

In This Article

© 2024 The Business of Fashion. All rights reserved. For more information read our Terms & Conditions

More from Retail
Analysis and advice from the front lines of the retail transformation.

Why Esprit’s Ambitious Rebrand Fell Short

The company is in talks with potential investors after filing for insolvency in Europe and closing its US stores. Insiders say efforts to restore the brand to its 1980s heyday clashed with its owners’ desire to quickly juice sales in order to attract a buyer.


How Adidas Sambas Took Over the World

The humble trainer, once the reserve of football fans, Britpop kids and the odd skateboarder, has become as ubiquitous as battered Converse All Stars in the 00s indie sleaze years.


view more

Subscribe to the BoF Daily Digest

The essential daily round-up of fashion news, analysis, and breaking news alerts.

The Business of Fashion

Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
CONNECT WITH US ON
The Business of Beauty Global Awards - Deadline 30 April 2024
© 2024 The Business of Fashion. All rights reserved. For more information read our Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy and Accessibility Statement.
The Business of Beauty Global Awards - Deadline 30 April 2024