News
Primark boss wants stores to open 24 hours a day when lockdown lifts in December
Budget retailer Primark wants to operate stores right around the clock when lockdown lifts in December -with 24-hour opening times.
The Manc -
6th November 2020 
Budget retailer Primark wants to open its stores right around the clock when lockdown lifts in December.
According to a report in The Telegraph, Primark boss George Weston said that 24-hour opening times would present an opportunity to recuperate losses from a month of no trading – whilst also enabling safer shopping as customers could spread out their visits.
Mr Weston stated: “If we are able to trade in some stores up to 24 hours a day, then we can keep people more separate from each other more easily.
“We can keep the stores safer if everyone knows there are plenty trading hours, [and] they do not have to rush on a Sunday into a six-hour period.”
Primark is one of the few major retailers to operate entirely in-store – with no infrastructure in place for customers to order online and have items delivered to doorsteps.
The firm subsequently took a big hit when it was forced to close for over three months during the first lockdown, but enjoyed a “robust trade” over summer when the government gave the nod for non-essential shops to reopen.
With a second lockdown now due to last until December 2, Primark’s boss is hoping for trading rules to be amended to prevent chaos in the Christmas rush.
Mr. Weston said that 24-hour stores would also give customers extra confidence and time to do their Christmas shopping, whilst allowing stores to recoup losses.
“I think it would be a great step forward for the high street to be allowed extend opening hours,” he added.
