€2.2 m Primark to open in Alicante

IRISH clothing giant Primark is looking to open a new store in the Gran Via shopping complex in Alicante. In May last year the old cinema complex within Gran Via closed their doors permanently, and now it seems the abandoned space may find new life under one of Europe’s most popular retail chains. At present the nearest Primark store for the northern Costa Blanca is in Elche, having opened their first store in Spain in 2006 in Madrid.

Primark have started the process by applying for relevant planning and building regulations certificates from Alicante council, and it is hoped that if all goes to plan, the new store will be open next year. The new store will cover an area of more than 4,000 square metres and will cost €2.2 million  to refurbish.

In times of economic downturn, the budget lines that Primark sell are still a popular option for shoppers, and it is likely that a new influx of business will do much to boost the overall fortunes of Gran Via, in the same way that the “Ikea effect” is predicted to draw general customers to its new site in Alicante adjacent to the city’s university.

Photo credit: sushi♥ina