A new retail store is preparing to launch in the United Kingdom, positioning itself as a major competitor to Primark. This upcoming establishment, known as Lefties, is under the umbrella of Inditex, which also owns prominent high street brands like Zara, Bershka, Pull and Bear, and Massimo Dutti.
Although relatively unfamiliar in the UK, Lefties originates from Spain and boasts a presence across various countries including Spain, Portugal, Italy, Turkey, Morocco, and the UAE, offering fashionable apparel at exceptionally affordable prices.
Established in 1993, Lefties initially operated as a Zara outlet for past season stock, functioning as a destination for leftover Zara items, hence the name “Lefties.”
The store is gearing up to make its mark in the UK, with potential locations including Lakeside shopping center in Essex, Bluewater shopping center in Kent, the renowned Oxford Street fashion hub, and Westfield London in White City.
Customers can expect a range of offerings in-store, spanning women’s wear, a men’s section, children’s and baby clothing, a vast accessory and footwear selection, as well as homeware, sportswear, and underwear, presenting stiff competition for Primark.
While Lefties does have an online presence, it is not yet accessible in the UK. Nevertheless, the Spanish website showcases dresses priced at £8 and basic t-shirts at £5, undercutting Zara’s £12.99 t-shirt prices.
Referred to as “Zara’s Spanish twin” by enthusiasts, individuals who have encountered Lefties abroad have been vocal about their desire for it to arrive in the UK. The store’s affordability has garnered attention, with some acknowledging concerns about garment quality in comparison to its sibling brands.
One Spanish shopper, Ashley Bautista, expressed reservations about the clothing quality but acknowledged the affordability factor, noting the potential for Lefties to challenge Primark’s market position.
As Primark announces the closure of its Dartford store, citing building maintenance costs as a deciding factor, the loss of this branch after over a decade of operation is a setback for local shoppers. Plans to permanently shut down the Dartford store post-Christmas are in motion, with no specified closure date yet.
Primark’s decision to close the Dartford location stems from necessary structural repairs and the impracticality of investing in a store so near to two other Primark outlets. The company assures customers that the store will continue to operate until further details are provided.
Stay tuned for updates as the story unfolds.
