Primark opening date revealed

BUDGET fashion giant Primark will open its Derby store on July 31.

The company has been refurbishing the former Marks and Spencer store in the Corn Market since January and will soon be ready for customers.

John Forkin, of Marketing Derby, the company set up to attract inward investment, said he was delighted the store would be opening so soon.

“Primark are an important retailer, popular with customers and retailers alike.

“They are a destination store and will revitalise the shopping area between Westfield and the Cathedral Quarter.

“The opening of Primark and the proposed Tesco Express store will hopefully make other retailers consider locating in our city.”

The Tesco Express store is planned for the other Marks and Spencer site in St Peter's Street.

Both became vacant when Marks and Spencer relocated to the Westfield centre in October.

A charm offensive was launched on Primark by Derby City Council and Marketing Derby last year to woo the company.

And it confirmed in December last year that it hoped to have its store open in late summer 2008.

The company started recruiting staff in May to fill its 300-strong team and is finalising training ready for opening.