Video and pix: Primark opens at York Monks Cross – to the joy of hundreds of shoppers
After years of waiting, and an 18-week refit, York has its very own Primark.
The store opened at Monks Cross at 10am on Saturday (May 7) and was soon flooded with eager shoppers of every age.
The Lord Mayor of York Cllr Sonja Crisp did the honours, cutting the tape and declaring the 57,600sq ft Primark open.
Many of the 277 staff taken on by the store were there excitedly chanting the chain’s slogan: “Monks Cross York – easy, caring, fun!”
People started queuing nearly two hours before the doors were unlocked. First in the queue was Katrina Freeman who said she’d be back “every weekend at least!”
The Monks Cross store brings the number of Primark stores in the UK to 169 – and there are 307 around the world.
The next Primark landmark in York is the opening of the Coppergate store. That will most likely be in autumn – October or November – the regional manager told YorkMix.
With 53 changing rooms and 34 cash desks, Primark Monks Cross is designed and laid out in contemporary style.
There’s fashion for men, women and children, accessories, lingerie and homeware.
Employees have use of a kitchen area and free wi-fi.
Katherine Sharp, Monks Cross Shopping Park manager, said:
It is one of the most eagerly anticipated store openings in the centre’s history, with significant excitement generated before the store was even opened, so we’re confident our customers with love our new addition.
Cllr Crisp said it was a “no brainer” to accept the invitation to open the store.
Talk of having Primark here has gone on for years in the council chamber, and outside the council chamber there’s been growing excitement.
Related YorkMix stories
The best comic book characters of all time – by the York man who knows
Vintage shop opens in York featuring two floors of old school cool
Primark York: What’s in store at the grand opening on Saturday