Oldest Primark in England celebrates 50 years on East Midlands high street with joyous crowds

Primark Derby turned 50 today (Thursday, September 26, 2024) marking the special milestone with a party at its Corn Market branch in the city centre.

The store pulled out all the stops, for the big day.

A giant balloon arch in brand baby blue and pastel colours, positioned at the entrance provided a warm welcome to shoppers.

People were greeted by cheering staff waving Primark flags, showing appreciation for their custom.

The first 50 people through the doors were also handed a free tote bag crammed with goodies.

There was also a DJ spinning top tunes to make the shopping experience fun and vibrant.

The budget fashion retailer’s first shop - and the first shop in England - was a store on Babington Lane, Derby that opened in 1974.

It relocated to the Eagle Shopping centre for a period before moving to its current location of Corn Market. It has been at this site since 2008 and it continues to thrive.

Primark’s arrival in Derby was significant after originally opening as Penneys in Ireland 55 years ago, in 1969.

At Primark’s 50th birthday party, people were in a party mood at the store.

They included Primark fan Tracy Oates from Borrowash, Derbyshire who has been to ‘around 50’ Primark stores including Lanzarote, Burton-on-Trent and Sheffield.

Tracy fell in love with Primark “when it first opened”.

She is a fan of the “cheap and cheerful but good quality garments that last a long time”.

“Anywhere there’s a Primark, I’m there, I love all the stores”, the self-confessed Primark fan enthused.

She added: “Every Primark I’ve been in, staff are so friendly and nice!”

Tracy was so excited about the Primark 50-year anniversary, she made sure to visit the store within 24-hours of returning from holiday.

She is always keen to pay-it-forward and often leaves new and barely-worn Primark outfits in hotels while she is on vacation.

Here are a selection of photos from the day, can you spot any familiar faces?