Primark confirms the right technique to pronounce its identify after buyers left divided
Since the budget fashion retailer first popped up on UK high streets, people have been pronouncing it different ways – but now the store has finally settled the argument once and for all
The way you say Primark might seem straightforward, but it always sparks quite the debate.
So much so that Primark themselves have had to put an end to the madness by clarifying how to pronounce their name correctly once and for all. Despite being around since June 1969, there’s still a lot of uncertainty over 50 years on. Some shoppers pronounce it ‘Pree-Mark’, while others say ‘Pr-I-Mark’.
Interestingly, the pronunciation tends to vary depending on where in the UK you are. The retailer, known for its affordable fashion must-haves, is often a hot topic in social media forums such as Reddit.
Recently, a question popped up in the Family Lowdown Tips and Ideas Facebook group asking: “How do you pronounce Primark? (The clothes store).
“I thought everyone said it the same until yesterday when I heard someone call it Pr-E-Mark, I say Pr-I-Mark. Which is right?”
People were divided, with many suggesting ‘Pr-Eye-Mark’ as the correct pronunciation. Yet, one shopper from South Wales said they call it ‘Preemark’, and another quipped: “Pree-mark because we enjoy messing perfectly pronounceable words up in Northern Ireland”.
One Twitter user, Dan, posed the question: “Does anybody pronounce Primark ‘preemark’? ” – although he was skeptical anyone actually did. In a flurry of online reactions, another Twitter user commented: “Like literally every single person I know pronounces it ‘Preemark’ cause saying ‘Prymark’ makes it sounds like you think it’s upmarket.”
Further chiming in, someone declared: “Preemark in Middlesbrough.”
READ MORE: Primark shoppers say ‘I’ll pass’ after spotting price of new teddy pyjamasREAD MORE: Primark stocking fillers for under £10 – good for make-up nabbing kids and sweaty sisters
A Primark employee was quick to assert their stance, however, stating: “I work there. It’s Prymark. Always has been. Always will be.”
So, what does Primark itself say?
The company has even addressed this burning question on a dedicated webpage, confirming without ambiguity: “We like to use Pr-Eye-Mark.”
As an employer of over 80,000 people across Europe and the US, Primark, which is actually known as Penneys in Ireland when it was founded in 1969, stands firm on its commitment to offering affordable fashion options for everyone.
READ MORE: Why Primark is called Penneys in Ireland: The fascinating story behind the name change
This ranges from high-quality everyday basics to striking styles for women, men, and children, along with cosmetics, homeware, and accessories.
With a growing presence that boasts 450 stores globally, Primark’s growth shows no signs of slowing down. The brand is also dedicated to ethical fashion practices, as highlighted by their Primark Cares mission, which concentrates on increasing the longevity of clothing, safeguarding the planet, and supporting the wellbeing of those crafting Primark’s apparel.
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.
