Shoppers in north Kent face a shake-up as a familiar high street name weighs costly repairs and a strategic rethink.
Primark has confirmed plans to close its store at The Orchards Shopping Centre in Dartford in the new year, with trading expected to continue through the festive period before a final date is set. The move marks a rare retrenchment for the value fashion giant and follows pressure from nearby destination sites.
What Primark has confirmed
The retailer says the Dartford building requires “significant and extensive” repair work, and that the spend no longer stacks up given the short distance to two bigger Primark branches. The company has told staff it will consult on the proposal and keep customers informed as timings become clear.
Store open through Christmas; closure proposed in the new year. It would be Primark’s first UK branch closure in more than a decade.
Management added that the decision was not taken lightly. They pointed to the arrival and pull of larger stores in Greenhithe and Bexleyheath, which have steadily drawn custom away from the smaller Dartford unit.
Why the Dartford site is no longer viable
The Orchards unit needs repairs that go beyond cosmetic fixes. When landlords and tenants face major works, costs can escalate quickly, especially in older town-centre properties. Primark judged that injecting large sums into a smaller-format shop makes less sense when two fuller-range alternatives sit a short drive away.
Footfall patterns back that up. Shoppers now plan fewer, bigger trips to retail destinations where they can find the entire range under one roof. A compact high street store struggles to compete once a regional mall opens with a broader offer and longer dwell-times.
Two nearby powerhouses set the pace: Bluewater in Greenhithe and The Broadway in Bexleyheath carry wider ranges and attract heavier footfall.
Impact on staff and the consultation process
The Dartford branch has 53 employees. Primark says it will support everyone affected, including looking at redeployment to other stores where roles exist. Under UK rules, a collective consultation applies when 20 or more colleagues at one site face redundancy. That procedure involves elected representatives, minimum timeframes and efforts to find alternatives.
- Number of staff at risk: 53
- Consultation: at least 30 days before any dismissals can take effect
- Support: one-to-one meetings, redeployment options, and signposting to advice services
- Next steps: confirmation of the final trading date after the Christmas period
What it means for shoppers
The store will keep serving customers over Christmas. After that, bargain hunters will likely pivot to Primark’s larger locations nearby. Bluewater’s branch opened in 2019 and is geared for big seasonal drops and homeware. Bexleyheath offers another full Primark selection on a traditional high street, often closer for those in the western side of the borough.
| Store | Approx. distance from Dartford town centre | Range size | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dartford (The Orchards) | In town | Compact | Quick essentials while open |
| Bluewater (Greenhithe) | About 3–4 miles | Large | Full fashion range, homeware, destination trip |
| Bexleyheath (The Broadway) | About 4–5 miles | Large | Big selection with traditional high street access |
Timing, returns and gift purchases
No firm closing date has been announced, beyond guidance that trading should continue until after Christmas. If you plan to buy gifts in Dartford, keep your receipt and check in-store notices for returns windows. If the branch closes before your return date, nearby stores should handle valid returns with proof of purchase. Primark does not offer home delivery, so planning a trip to Bluewater or Bexleyheath may be the simplest option once Dartford shuts.
Plan ahead: keep receipts, check return windows, and note the nearest alternative store in case the closure lands mid-January.
Dartford town centre at a crossroads
A departure by a value anchor can ripple across a small shopping centre. The Orchards will need to plan for temporary vacancy, which can weigh on footfall and neighbouring traders. Landlords often look at short-term lets, pop-up concepts or subdividing space to keep a parade lively while longer-term solutions are found.
Repairs complicate that picture. If the unit requires structural work, incoming occupiers usually demand clarity on scope, liability and timelines. That can delay re-letting but, once resolved, can create an opportunity to modernise and attract a different mix — from discount chains to community services or leisure uses that add dwell-time.
Primark’s broader store strategy
Primark has spent recent years growing large-format sites, refreshing flagships and widening ranges. Closing Dartford does not signal a pullback from physical retail; rather, it shows a tilt towards destination stores that can showcase full assortments and absorb seasonal peaks. Proximity matters: where two strong branches sit within a few miles, a smaller satellite can become hard to justify, especially if the building needs heavy investment.
Getting there once Dartford closes
Travel times to Bluewater from central Dartford can be around 10–15 minutes by car in typical traffic, with parking on site. Bexleyheath usually takes a similar drive time depending on the route. Public transport links connect all three town centres, though journey times vary with the time of day and connections.
What to watch in the weeks ahead
Look for three milestones. First, an announcement on the final trading date. Second, details for staff on redeployment opportunities. Third, updates from The Orchards on any interim plans for the unit. Customers will want clarity on returns and gift cards; staff will want certainty on roles and timeframes; neighbouring retailers will track footfall.
For shoppers weighing where to go, think about what you need. Bulk buys and full-range fashion favour Bluewater’s scale. Quick grabs and simple swaps may suit Bexleyheath if you live west of Dartford. If you’re gifting, consider buying where you intend to return, and keep packaging and proof of purchase safe.
For local businesses, the change carries risks and chances. A short-term dip in visits is likely, yet a refurbished unit or a fresh tenant can eventually refresh the mix. Town centres that add services, leisure and evening activity often stabilise footfall. The key is swift communication and a clear plan for the space once the shutters finally come down.
Does this mean all 53 staff are at risk, or will most be offered roles at Bluewater/Bexleyheath? The consultation rules say at least 30 days, but when do individual meetings actually start, and will travel costs be covered if people are redeployed? Also, if the final trading date lands mid-January, what happens to gift returns that miss the window because the store shuts? Clear comms would really help locals, realy.
Guess my quick dash to Dartford just turned into a Bluewater marathon. Parking’s fine, but my wallet isn’t ready for “full range” temptations 🙂