From 800,000 Sets Of False Lashes To Summer Sandals, Here’s What’s Been Selling Out In Primark Since It Reopened

Today’s piece of good news for the high street comes from an unlikely source. Not an internet meme or a viral cardigan, but Primark. According to The Times, in the week ending 20 June, trading in England and Ireland was ahead of the same week in 2019. This means that, despite the fact that sales aren’t quite where they should be overall, shops on the high street are showing signs that they might survive coronavirus.

Primark, which has now only got eight shops closed out of 375, seems to be one of the most popular spots after reopening. When I visited the Oxford Street on 15 June, the first day non-essential shops opened since lockdown started in late March, there was a queue snaking down the street at 8.30 in the morning. Hazel, 21, travelled from north London to stock up on basics like socks. ‘I need my essentials,’ she told me, ‘It’s a quick grab and go.’

So, what’s been flying off the shelves since? Women’s clothing has performed at above average in all regions, with strong demand for T-shirts, shorts, dresses, sandals and sunglasses as the weather has improved. Flip-flops are in the top three best-sellers in footwear, while the brand’s sustainable cotton PJs continue to perform well. The biggest run, however, has been in its beauty department, with a whopping 800,000 sets of false lashes sold. Eye-opening, you might say.