Primark: Cheap fashion is 'story of the decade'

Primark today said its success was "not a story of the last few years, but the story of the decade" and pledged to continue its high street dominance even as the recession recedes.

Sales at the cheap fashion chain in the four months to January soared 19 per cent ahead of the same time last year, with British and Spanish stores leading the way.

John Bason, finance director of Primark's owner, Associated British Foods, said the chain enjoyed "brilliant Christmas trading".

"Primark has done well during the tough economic times but it's such a strong proposition that it will continue to do well as the economy recovers," he said.

Primark opened five stores, including one in Wood Green. Others were in Germany and Belgium as the chain looked to move more into Europe.