“There’s been such a buzz ahead of our arrival”

The new Primark for Tunbridge Wells is now open so to mark its arrival Eileen Leahy had an exclusive chat with its store manager Kyle Brace about what shoppers can expect from the retailer. Kyle also reveals how its 31,000 sq. ft presence will help to drive a positive socio-economic impact to the centre of town…

How does it feel to be opening a brand-new Primark in Tunbridge Wells?

It’s such a privilege to be opening a brand-new store in Tunbridge Wells after working nearby at Primark for 21 years. There’s been such a buzz ahead of our arrival, and we’re excited to finally be letting everybody see the great value fashion and everyday essentials that we’ll now be bringing to them every day.

Are there any elements that make this store different from other Primark locations?

Every Primark store brings something new to the high street, and local shoppers can expect to find the very best value ranges across fashion, beauty and home.

What impact do you think Primark’s arrival will have on the local retail landscape?

We know that where there’s a Primark, there’s a positive socio-economic impact on the high street – with independent research revealing that for every £10 spent in Primark, an estimated £3.60 is generated for other local businesses, including hospitality. We’re confident that our presence will be significant in supporting the broader high street in Tunbridge Wells in the months ahead.

Are there any key things that stand out about doing business here in Tunbridge Wells?

We’ve not been here long, but during our months of preparation it’s clear that there’s a fantastic, supportive local community here, including the team at Royal Victoria Place, and we’re proud to now officially be part of it.

How many people will you be employing?

We’ve created more than 100 retail colleagues in store ahead of our opening and every role is a great opportunity for people to start or grow their career in a really exciting, fast-paced retail environment. Our store will offer 31,000 sq. ft of pure shopping space, so customers will be able to enjoy our great value fashion, beauty and homeware.

What can shoppers look forward to most when they pay the new Primark a visit?

Shoppers can look forward to our bestselling products and unbeatable value, including our popular pyjama sets that are perfect for the entire family to enjoy this festive season, plus there’s plenty of choice across our festive collections from clothing to home as people can pick up their last-minute gifting and partywear.

We’ve also launched Click & Collect ahead of our opening, so that people can start to collect their orders with us from day one. We expect the service to be really popular as it creates access to an even wider range of products and shoppers can then more conveniently collect their orders at a time that works best for them.

Are there any sustainability initiatives customers should know about?

We’re really proud of the strides we’re making in becoming a more circular and sustainable business and our denim is an area where we’ve able to make a real impact. Over 10% of our total denim mix last year contained a minimum of 20% recycled cotton, while 8% of our total denim clothing last year was circular and made in line with our Circular Product Standard – made using a mono-fibre (e.g. 100% cotton, no elastane) with minimal inhibitors to the recycling process e.g. metal rivets.

What are you personally most excited for on opening day?

After so much hard work from my team – and a few last surprises to navigate over the past week – I’m looking forward to seeing the excitement from our colleagues as well as our first customers when they first come through the doors. I’m very proud of everything we’ve achieved together, and it will be brilliant to enjoy the celebrations with everyone on opening day with them.

What’s your message to the Tunbridge Wells community about moving into the town?

At Primark there really is something for everyone – that’s every age, style, size and budget – and we can’t wait to welcome you into our brand-new store over the coming weeks to see for yourself. Please do come in and say hello to the team!