Christmas comes early for Ballymena shoppers as opening date confirmed for new Primark at Fairhill

CGI of the new Primark store at Fairhill Shopping Centre, Ballymena

Primark has confirmed that its brand-new Ballymena store at Fairhill Shopping Centre will officially open on Friday 5th December at 10am.

The eagerly awaited move marks an exciting new chapter for Primark Ballymena, which first opened its doors in the town in 1983.

Relocating less than a mile from its long-standing home in the Tower Centre, the new store will double in size, covering 26,200 sq. ft of fashion, homeware, and everyday essentials — all on one spacious floor.

The expanded store will employ 150 people in total, with around 70 new jobs created to support the larger retail space — offering a welcome boost to Ballymena’s local economy just in time for the festive season.

Bigger, Brighter, Better – Just in Time for Christmas at Fairhill

Shoppers can look forward to a modern, refreshed store design, featuring self-checkouts, improved signage, LED lighting, and new display units showcasing Primark’s ever-popular collections.

The new Primark store will be one of the largest and most eagerly awaited additions to Fairhill, forming part of the centre’s £10 million investment programme that has transformed the shopping destination throughout 2024 and 2025. 

Primark’s arrival is the centrepiece of a comprehensive redevelopment project that has seen major updates in Fairhill, including refreshed mall areas, enhanced customer facilities, and a new brand identity designed to attract leading brands to Ballymena. 

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Primark to Fairhill. This opening marks a significant milestone and reflects our shared commitment to creating vibrant, engaging spaces for our community,” said Ryan Walker, owner of Fairhill Shopping Centre.

“Primark is a much-loved brand, and we’re confident it will be a fantastic addition, driving new energy and footfall. We look forward to building a strong partnership with Primark for many years to come and supporting their continued growth and success here at Fairhill.”  

Spanning 29,000 sq ft, the new Primark store will feature: 

• A strong fashion offering across womenswear, menswear and childrenswear collections

• Homeware and beauty ranges  

• Sustainability-focused collections as part of Primark’s ‘Primark Cares’ range

• A modern store design with spacious layouts and improved customer flow  

The addition of Primark to Fairhill will further strengthen the already strong fashion offering with brands including Marks & Spencer, Next, H&M, Superdry, JD Sports, River Island, Jack & Jones and New Look.

The store’s opening will bring a significant boost to the local economy, driving increased footfall in the centre and the wider Ballymena area. 

Fairhill Shopping Centre’s £10 million investment has also supported the introduction of new retail brands, improved spaces, upgraded amenities, and a new brand identity, all designed to enhance the visitor experience. These developments form part of the centre’s long-term strategy to ensure Fairhill remains at the heart of Ballymena’s retail landscape. 

The coming months will no doubt be an exciting time for Fairhill and Ballymena town centre.

With extra space across key departments, customers will find an even broader selection of fashion, accessories, and homeware, alongside Primark’s trademark great-value essentials.

Opening just ahead of Christmas, the new store promises to be a festive shopping destination, with everything from home décor and last-minute gifts to matching “Fam Jams” for all the family.

“A very special moment” for Primark Ballymena

Under construction

Fintan Costello, Head of Primark Ireland and Northern Ireland, said:

“This is a very special moment for Primark Ballymena, and one we know our customers have been waiting for. The town has been home to Primark for over 40 years, and our loyal shoppers have been asking for more space and more choice for some time.

“We’re proud to be delivering that with a brand-new concept store here in Fairhill – and just in time for Christmas, making it the perfect destination for festive shopping.

“We can’t wait to welcome everyone through the doors in Fairhill on 5th December to celebrate this next chapter together.”

Primark continues Northern Ireland investment

Fairhill Shopping Centre

The Ballymena relocation is part of Primark’s ongoing investment across Northern Ireland, where the retailer now operates 10 stores including in Belfast, Craigavon, Derry~Londonderry, Lisburn, Newtownabbey, Newtownards, Newry, and Omagh.

Earlier this year, Primark launched Primark Home Belfast, the brand’s first-ever standalone homeware store and a world-first concept for the company.

Founded in Ireland in 1969, Primark has grown into an international fashion retailer with over 470 stores worldwide, employing more than 80,000 people across 17 countries in Europe and the US.

Known for its commitment to affordable fashion without compromise, the company continues to champion sustainable retail through its Primark Cares initiative — focusing on giving clothing a longer life, protecting the planet, and supporting the people who make its products.