Fashion retailer Primark, which trades as Penneys here, has opened its first store in the Middle East, at Grand Plaza, The Avenues in Kuwait.
The new store is opening in partnership with international retail franchise operator Alshaya Group and marks its first franchise store and 18th international market entry.
The new Kuwait store has over 60,000 square feet of shopping space and is set over two floors and will employ 350 colleagues.
Primark had announced in May that it was planning to open the new store in Kuwait.
After today's opening in Kuwait, Primark and Alshaya have confirmed that three stores will open in Dubai in the first half of 2026 - starting with Dubai Mall in March, followed by City Centre Mirdif and Mall of the Emirates.
Primark and Alshaya will also continue to work together to consider future stores across the region, they added.
"We are delighted to be opening our doors in Kuwait's The Avenues, a prime shopping destination to mark our first store presence in the Middle East," Eoin Tonge, Primark Interim's CEO, said.
"Kuwait marks our first franchise market and our 18th international market globally, which we are delighted to open in partnership with the Alshaya Group," Mr Tonge said.
"With the strength of our brand and distinctive value proposition, combined with Alshaya’s deep market expertise and close partnership, we believe today represents an important and exciting new growth chapter," he added.
John Hadden, CEO of Alshaya Group, said that since the company announced the partnership with Primark a year ago, it has worked flat out to bring its first store to customers here in Kuwait and the response has been truly amazing.
"We are incredibly proud of working with Primark to make this happen and today marks the beginning of bringing this most anticipated brand to shoppers across the region," he added.
Originally founded in Dublin 56 years ago, Primark now operates over 460 stores across 18 markets.
