Shoppers at Primark's flagship Birmingham store have received a significant update, with the retail chain confirming the permanent closure of its in-store cafe. The Birmingham High Street branch is one of four locations across the UK set to lose its cafe concession.
Which Primark Stores Are Affected?
The decision, which will be rolled out over the coming year, impacts cafes in four specific stores. Alongside the Birmingham High Street location, the closures will affect the Glasgow Braehead shopping centre, Edinburgh Princes Street, and Belfast Royal Avenue branches. Primark stated that the moves are based on the individual size and location of each store, as part of a wider strategy to maximise space.
Social Media Speculation and Company Response
The announcement follows the circulation of a video on social media that appeared to show Primark cafe employees suggesting they were being made redundant. The footage, captioned "RIP Primark cafe," prompted concern among customers and staff.
However, Primark has moved to clarify the situation. A company spokesperson told the Express that no Primark colleagues are currently impacted by the closures, as the process will be managed over the next 12 months and beyond. The spokesperson emphasised the company's commitment to managing the change with "care and transparency" and supporting any concession partners affected.
Why Are The Cafes Closing?
Primark explained the decision is part of an ongoing review of its store layouts and concessions. The goal is to adapt spaces to better cater to local customer preferences and the brand's expanding product ranges. Known for their popular themed designs—from Lilo & Stitch and Hello Kitty to The Simpsons and Stranger Things—the stores are now being reconfigured to prioritise retail space.
"We know how important our stores are to our customers and we’re constantly reviewing them to ensure we provide the best shopping experience," the spokesperson said. "As we’ve expanded our own product offering, we are adapting our spaces so that each store is best set up to cater to local customer preferences."
While the in-store cafes will begin to disappear, Primark assures customers that the changes are designed to enhance the overall shopping experience in the long term.
