Primark set to open in Craigavon’s Rushmere Shopping Centre.
The retail giant has plans to open its tenth Northern Ireland store with the now vacated Debenhams lot the touted location.
According to the Belfast Telegraph, talks between Rushmere and Primark have been taking place and have made good progress.
Neither Rushmere or Primark have confirmed the move.
A spokeswoman for Primark, told the newspaper: “As we operate under a public company, we do not comment on speculation around new store openings.”
And a spokesman for Rushmere Shopping Centre said: “We are experiencing strong demand in enquiries and are in continued discussions with a number of retailers and hospitality businesses keen to locate within one of Northern Ireland’s most successful retail destinations.”
Should the move come to fruition, it will be a huge boost to the shopping centre following the loss of a number of key stores in the last 12 months.
Upper Bann DUP MP Carla Lockhart hailed the news.
She said: “It has been a long time in the offing and is such a boost to the local area.
“Fantastic news for Rushmere and shoppers. It once again demonstrates Upper Bann is open for business.”
Armagh I first revealed efforts to bring Primark to the north Armagh area back in 2018.
Carla Lockhart met with officials from the retail giant at the time and described the meeting as “positive”.
As part of the discussion she highlighted the opportunities available to the company in Lurgan, Portadown and Craigavon and the footfall available as well as the strategic position geographically.
Rushmere was reported at the time as a possible location and that now appears to be about to happen.
Speaking in March 2018, Carla Lockhart said: “There is no doubt that there are numerous sites across the constituency which would be suitable for such a major retailer and I hope that they give serious consideration to investing in the area.
“Primark are a well known and successful brand and have the potential to attract more shoppers to the area as well as create jobs.
“I look forward to continuing dialogue with them. I was hugely impressed with their business model, their commitment to staff and they drive to keep prices low but maintain ethical standards.”
