High street giant Primark has confirmed it will close its store in Dartford in early 2026, marking the retailer's first permanent shutdown of a UK shop in more than a decade.
The Final Trading Date and Reason for Closure
The exact date for the closure has been set for Saturday, 3rd January 2026. The decision, first consulted on in September, comes after assessments revealed the building requires significant modernisation and repairs.
A Primark spokesperson stated that the scale of work needed, combined with the store's size and trading performance, made the investment "unviable". The store's footfall and commercial viability were also overshadowed by its proximity to two larger, more successful Primark branches in Bluewater and Bexleyheath.
Impact on Staff and the Local Community
The closure directly affects 53 jobs. Primark has confirmed that more than half of the affected colleagues will be offered roles at nearby stores. For the remaining staff who will leave the business, the company has pledged support.
Philippa Nibbs, Primark's Director of Sales for the UK, South and South East, addressed the decision: "This difficult decision was informed by the extensive repair work required to the building, which given the close proximity to two other Primark stores, is just not viable."
She added, "We understand this news will be disappointing for our local customers and we are grateful for the support of our customers and the Dartford community over the years." The store will continue to trade normally throughout the Christmas period.
Community Reaction and High Street Concerns
News of the impending closure has been met with disappointment from shoppers. Announcements in the store and online have prompted a wave of local reaction.
Some social media users have linked the closure to wider struggles on the British high street, with one commenting on the trend towards online shopping, while another lamented the potential for the area to become a "ghost town."
This move represents a rare step for the value fashion chain, which has focused on expansion in recent years, including opening its massive Birmingham flagship. The Dartford closure is believed to be its first in the UK for over ten years, highlighting the specific challenges of this particular location amidst the chain's broader growth.
