The wait is almost over for lovers of all things Primark, as Bolton's Market Place is set to unveil its new, highly anticipated store to eager shoppers on Wednesday morning. 

Plans have long been under way to move the clothes retailer to the old Debenhams space at the Market Place and are key to wider efforts to regenerate the town centre.

The refreshed new store, which measures 26,300 sq. ft is part of Primark’s £100million investment in its UK stores this year, as the retailer continues to mark 50 years on the British high street. Bolton’s new “concept store” is the first of its kind to hit the UK and will feature more space to display clothes and for customers to navigate the store.

(Image: Leah Collins) As someone who can’t resist a snoop around Primark, I went to have a sneak peek at the new shop before it opens on Wednesday (November 27) at 9am.

The official opening on Wednesday will feature a special event with a live DJ and Christmas shopping.

One of the best features of the new Primark, in my opinion, was the addition of a beauty station and is the third in the business to have this feature.

(Image: Leah Collins) Primark’s dedication to affordable clothes and makeup that makes customers feel amazing has always resonated with me, but I was also surprised to learn that the store’s makeup is completely cruelty-free and always has been, which is something they definitely need to shout about more.

The popular brand’s makeup line, Primark Beauty, provides amazing “dupes” for luxury makeup brands at affordable prices, without compromising on quality.

It was also amazing to see the newest Rita Ora (perfectly sparkly) winter collection displayed at the front of the store, the international superstar’s fifth collaboration with the brand.

(Image: Leah Collins) For all my upcoming winter-holiday parties, I know exactly where I’ll be heading.

Aside from clothes, the new Primark shop, which has a capacity for up to 1,200 shoppers, is also set to inject some life into Bolton’s high street and will provide employment for 130 members of staff and much-needed revenue, as recent figures revealed that over 1,400 Bolton businesses had closed in 2023.

Store manager of the Bolton Primark, Caroline Wood said: “We’re really excited to be bringing our brand-new store location to the local community.

(Image: Leah Collins) “We’ve been in the heart of Bolton now for 48 years so this is an important move for us and we can’t wait to welcome our customers through our new doors so they can see everything we have to offer!

“The new Primark will have £360 generated for the high street across sectors like hospitality for every £10 spent in store. It has a positive ripple effect on the local economy and community.

“There’s also the sustainability aspect, 60% of our products are made for sustainable cotton or recyclable products, which is a 20% uplift from last year.

“Primark is all about providing affordable fashion for all and more than 50% of everything we sell is essentials, pants, underwear and socks.

(Image: Leah Collins) “Surprisingly, when it comes to the durability of clothes, there isn’t an industry standard for how long clothing should last. We’ve set out 17 criteria for durability, including how to make clothing last longer.

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“Studies have shown that a £15 pair of jeans to be more durable than the £150 equivalent. Clothing should last longer – it’s not about how much you pay for it.”

The store offers click and collect, which aims to be rolled out in all UK stores by the end of next year.

Caroline said: “We always get asked whether Primark would consider going fully online, we are people-focused and want to see our customers, we also remain committed to the high street.”

Visitors will also be able to use self-service checkouts for the first time, with other new features including LED lighting, upgraded fixtures and fittings, and updated display units that will create a more modern shopping experience

(Image: Leah Collins) All 130 store colleagues plus 10 managers in Primark’s Bolton store team will move from the former Crompton Place Shopping Centre location, which closed its doors for a final time today after 48 years, as part of plans from the local council to redevelop the town centre.

Primark's Crompton Place branch closed permanently on Tuesday November 26 at 5.30pm, the day before the new one opens.

The large space at the end of Market Place has been empty since Debenhams closed in May 2021, part of a wave of closures around the country.

(Image: Leah Collins) Bolton Council Leader, Cllr Nick Peel, commented: “The new Primark store is a real boost for Bolton, adding to the excellent retail offer in Market Place and complementing our regeneration work across the town centre. The move out of Crompton Place paves the way for demolition work to start, ahead of the flagship redevelopment of this crucial site.

“Primark is well-known and trusted high-street brand, and the opening is well timed for festive visitors to enjoy their Christmas shopping alongside everything our town centre has to offer.”

Nicola Shawcroft, general manager at Market Place, added: “We’re thrilled to welcome Primark to its new home at Market Place.

“The store’s modern design and exciting features, combined with its beloved product range, are sure to delight our shoppers, especially during this festive season.

“Having such an iconic brand here enhances our fashion offering and strengthens Market Place as a key destination for the Bolton community, not just at Christmas but throughout the year.”

Got a story? Email me at Leah.Collins@newsquest.co.uk