The owners of the fashion retail giant, Associated British Foods (ABF), have announced that it will trial a click and collect service later this year.
Primark has confirmed that a long-awaited click and collect service is to be trialled at 25 stores across the North West.
The service will be available on a huge range that includes about 2,000 items across clothing, accessories, and lifestyle products.
After it was revealed last year that Primark was to launch a new website where shoppers would be able to see what products were available to buy in their local branch before they arrive in store, Associated British Foods has now said that it believes that click and collect has the potential to “satisfy unfulfilled demand”.
It also believes the trial would drive footfall to high streets across North West England, both from existing and new customers.
The trial will begin towards the end of the year.
Image: Primark
“We have chosen a much-expanded range of children’s products for this trial, which we believe has the potential to satisfy unfulfilled demand, driving footfall from both existing and new customers to deliver incremental sales in store,” ABF said as part of a trading update.
The trial will also include nursery furniture that the retailer said would be “particularly attractive for our customers who do not regularly shop in our larger stores”.
ABF added: “This trial will enable us to provide more fashion, licence and lifestyle products to more customers and more often. In-store collection will be available from designated areas, designed to be welcoming and situated in the heart of the store”.
In-store returns will be also be offered free as part of the trial, ABF confirmed.
The announcement of the click and collect trial comes as ABF issued a trading statement showing that sales at Primark were up 81% over the 12 weeks to 28 May compared with the same period in 2021, at £1.7 billion.
The company also confirmed that sales in the quarter were also 4% higher than the same period in 2019, just ahead of the first COVID-19 lockdown in the UK.
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
It is expected to open this spring.
Image: The Manc Group
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.
“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”
The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.
Posting to their social media, The Maven said: "When news broke The Maven could close its doors at the end of March, the reaction across the city was immediate. The response from customers, bartenders, and hospitality operators showed just how much this bar means to Leeds.
"For nearly 15 years, The Maven has been one of the city’s most loved cocktail destinations and a true institution within the local bar scene.
"When we told you about its potential closure we were flooded with support and interest from across the hospitality community. In the days that followed, several Leeds-based operators stepped forward with genuine offers to buy the venue and keep the bar alive.
"At a time when our industry is too often filled with stories of closures, today brings a little hope - a story about a community stepping up to protect something it values.
"The reports that The Maven would close at the end of March are now firmly in the past: The Maven Lives.
"Thanks to the passion of the Leeds hospitality community and the loyalty of its guests, the bar will continue to be part of the city’s nightlife story. More details about the next chapter for The Maven will be shared soon."
The Hoot -
20th June 2022 
