Derby’s premier retail/leisure destination Derbion has signed Primark with the major fashion/lifestyle retailer due to relocate from its city centre store to a prime space within the shopping centre.

Primark said it will remain open on Cornmarket until its new space is ready, estimated for the first half of 2027. The newly curated Derbion space will come with a dedicated entrance on Albion Walk. 

Primark has been a feature of the city for over 50 years after opening its first-ever store in Britain in Derby in 1974 and Philippa Nibbs, director of Sales for South & East Region at Primark UK, said: “We’re very proud of our long-standing presence in Derby. Our move to Derbion in 2027 will mark an exciting new chapter in our journey.”

The creation of this new space for Primark is part of a “significant joint investment” by Derbion and Primark with the space’s previous occupants, including Superdrug, H Samuel, The Perfume Shop, having already relocated with new fitouts featuring their latest store formats. 

“As a result of the relocations and investment, these retailers are already seeing uplifts in their performance”, noted Derbion.

Primark’s arrival will also prompt a transformation of Boots’ existing store there, allowing a reconfiguration of its store footprint.

Michael Boundy, director of Asset Management at Derbion, said: “The arrival of Primark showcases the confidence which leading brands have in Derbion and adds even more variety into our strong tenant mix. The plans for their new store also highlight the investment retailers are making to create innovative new stores which keep shoppers coming back for more. We can’t wait for their opening as we are sure it will attract visitors from across the region to experience what Derbion has to offer.”

In recent months the shopping centre has also welcomed brands including Victoria’s Secret, Seasalt, and Luke 1977, while Derbion favourites Footlocker, Pandora and Moss have all invested in store upgrades.