Primark’s much-anticipated arrival at the Ashley Centre in Epsom has set the local retail scene abuzz, with the fashion giant officially opening its doors on March 26, 2026. The launch, following a £7 million refurbishment of the shopping destination, marks a significant milestone not only for Primark but for Epsom’s high street as a whole, as the brand steps into the role of anchor tenant and breathes new life into the recently revamped centre.
The excitement around the opening was palpable from the very start. On the morning of March 25, a special ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at 10:00 AM, attended by the mayor of Epsom and Ewell, Councillor Robert Leach, the mayoress, Primark’s new store manager Ewa Klepczuk, and area manager Barrie Gough, according to Get Surrey. In a testament to the store’s drawing power, more than 1,000 eager shoppers streamed through the entrance in the first 30 minutes alone, with queues forming well before the doors opened. The event was not just a retail launch but a community moment, signaling Primark’s commitment to the heart of Epsom.
Taking over the former House of Fraser unit, the new Primark extends across a spacious 31,400 square feet over two floors, making it the retailer’s 199th store on the UK high street. Its prime location places it next to JD Sports and close to other major retailers such as Next, Oliver Bonas, and Monsoon, placing Primark firmly at the center of Epsom’s shopping experience. The store offers a comprehensive range of products, including womenswear, menswear, kidswear, home goods, travel items, and beauty ranges. Shoppers can also take advantage of a click and collect service, a feature that underscores Primark’s efforts to modernize its shopping experience and meet evolving customer needs.
The opening of Primark is the latest chapter in a transformative period for the Ashley Centre. CBRE Investment Management, the owner and operator of the centre, has invested heavily in upgrading the retail environment. Improvements from the £7 million refurbishment include new signage, enhanced wayfinding, and a striking new façade designed by Leslie Jones Architecture, all aimed at elevating the visitor experience and ensuring the centre’s continued relevance in a competitive retail landscape. The Ashley Centre now boasts an impressive line-up of brands, including Deichmann, Lovisa, Boots, Pandora, and M&S, alongside popular food and drink outlets such as Gail’s, Costa Coffee, Pret, and Starbucks.
Louisa Butters, Head of Urban Destinations (Retail & Offices) UK at CBRE IM, underscored the significance of Primark’s arrival, stating, “Primark is one of the UK’s most recognisable high street brands, and its arrival is a significant moment for the Ashley Centre. The store has created new job opportunities for the local community, will drive additional footfall, and further strengthens the centre’s position at the heart of Epsom’s retail offer. It builds on the strong momentum generated by last year’s refurbishment and signals the start of an exciting new chapter for the destination.”
Indeed, the impact of Primark’s opening is already being felt. The influx of shoppers on opening day—over 1,000 in the first half hour alone—demonstrates the store’s potential to draw customers from Epsom’s wider catchment area and beyond. CBRE Investment Management expects this increased footfall to further reinforce the Ashley Centre’s role as the town’s premier retail destination, offering a diverse mix of shopping, dining, and leisure experiences.
For Primark, the Epsom store represents another step in its ongoing investment in brick-and-mortar retail across the UK. The Ashley Centre location is part of a broader strategy that includes plans to open a new store at Wimbledon Quarter, which will be Primark’s first new Greater London location in about a decade, with the opening scheduled for late 2026 or early 2027, as reported by FashionNetwork.com. This expansion underlines Primark’s confidence in the enduring appeal of physical stores, even as the wider retail sector continues to grapple with the challenges posed by online competition and changing consumer habits.
Store manager Ewa Klepczuk expressed her excitement about the launch and gratitude to the community, sharing, “We are so excited to finally open our doors at such a fantastic shopping destination in the heart of Epsom’s Ashley Centre. The team has worked tirelessly to get us to opening day – and now the hard work really begins! I am excited for our future in Epsom as we know there really is something for everyone here. Thank you to the entire Epsom community for the warm welcome so far and we look forward to meeting more customers in the months ahead.”
The store’s arrival also brings tangible benefits for the local community, notably in the form of new job opportunities. While specific numbers were not disclosed, both CBRE IM and Primark have highlighted employment as a key outcome of the new opening. The boost in local jobs comes at a time when high streets across the UK are searching for ways to revitalize and adapt to shifting economic conditions.
Primark’s presence is expected to have a ripple effect throughout the Ashley Centre and Epsom more broadly. As the anchor tenant, the brand’s ability to attract large numbers of shoppers is anticipated to benefit neighboring retailers and food outlets, creating a more vibrant and economically resilient shopping environment. With a wide assortment of fashion, homeware, and beauty products, Primark’s offering complements the existing retail mix and caters to a broad demographic, from families and students to professionals and tourists.
The store’s modern design and layout, spread over two floors, reflect the company’s commitment to providing a contemporary and enjoyable shopping experience. The inclusion of click and collect services further aligns with current retail trends, offering convenience and flexibility to time-pressed customers. The Ashley Centre’s recent refurbishment, which included not only cosmetic upgrades but also improvements to the overall visitor journey, has set the stage for Primark’s success and reinforced the centre’s status as a destination for both shopping and socializing.
As Primark continues to expand its footprint across the UK, the Epsom opening stands out as a testament to the enduring appeal of the high street and the importance of community-focused retail. The store’s debut has already injected new energy into the Ashley Centre, drawing crowds and generating buzz, while promising continued benefits for shoppers, local businesses, and the wider Epsom community.
With its doors now open and the community’s enthusiastic response, Primark’s Epsom store is poised to play a central role in the next chapter of the Ashley Centre’s story—one defined by renewal, growth, and the enduring power of the high street.