In a major blow to the high street, just days into 2026, a major retailer will close the doors to one of its stores for good. Primark has announced it is shutting down its branch in Dartford on Saturday, January 3, in what is believed to be the first closure for the retailer in a decade. Staff at the store, located in The Orchards Shopping Centre, have been made redundant, while customers have been redirected to stores in Bexleyheath and Bluewater.
The Irish multinational fashion budget retailer, which offers products including baby, children’s, women’s and men’s clothing, as well as accessories and footwear, beauty products and housewares, has more than 190 locations nationwide. However, this number is set to drop this week, with one of its staff members sharing the disappointing news on the Dartford Community Facebook group. “This next week will be a very upsetting time for all the staff, a lot of us are being made redundant so please be mindful when [you’re] moaning about nothing left in the store. THANK YOU.”
Customers have been left devastated by the closure, with many taking to the Facebook post’s comments to share their disappointment.
One wrote: “Unfortunately Dartford’s been edging towards a ghost town for a few years now.”
Another added: “This one is going, Wilko’s gone, Easy Coffee gone, unless something serious happens to boost it, it will soon be goodbye Dartford town centre.”
“What? Even Primark is leaving Dartford. The town is finished,” a third wrote.
The closure comes as the building is in desperate need of repair.
Philippa Nibbs, Primark’s director of sales for UK South and South East, said: “This difficult decision was informed by the extensive repair work required to the building, which given the close proximity to two other Primark stores, is just not viable.
“We’re pleased that more than half of our colleagues will be taking up roles in nearby stores and for those colleagues leaving the business, we are focused on supporting them.
“We understand this news will be disappointing for our local customers and we are grateful for the support of our customers and the Dartford community over the years.”
