COLCHESTER residents will soon enjoy a new way to shop at one of the city’s most popular stores thanks to a new service being added.

Primark is set to expand its click and collect service to 54 more stores before the end of the year.

First launched as part of a trial in 2022, the expansion of the service coincides with the celebration of Primark's 50th anniversary on the British High Street. 

The latest expansion will include the store in Lion Walk in the city centre.

The service allows shoppers to order clothes online and then pick them up in-store.

While the service is free, there is a minimum spend of £10. 

Many residents were delighted to hear of the new service coming to the Colchester branch.

Happy - Hayleigh Truscott, a regular Primark shopper, expressed joy over the new expansionHappy - Hayleigh Truscott, a regular Primark shopper, expressed joy over the new expansion (Image: Newsquest reporter) Hayleigh Truscott, 26, an assistant manager, said: "I will probably shop at Primark a lot more now because I work Monday to Friday, and it will be so much more convenient." 

College students Zoe Dines and Nathan McGrath, both 18, also hailed Primark's move.

Smile - Zoe Dines, Primark shopper and college student, is happy about the new serviceSmile - Zoe Dines, Primark shopper and Colchester Institute student, is happy about the new service (Image: Newsquest Reporter)

Zoe said: “Primark didn't have online shopping before and I think it will be easier to shop for me now.”

Excited - Nathan McGrath, college student, hailed Primark for the new moveExcited - Nathan McGrath, Colchester Institute student, hailed Primark for the new move (Image: Newsquest Reporter)

Nathan added: “Primark will be one of the first big retail brands in Colchester to start this.”

However, not all residents plan to use the new service.

Carol Morrison, in her late 70s, stated that she prefers shopping in-store for convenience and ease of returns. 

Similarly, Margaret Barlow and her friend Darcy Watts said they find online ordering challenging and the sizes are never right and then the items just go to the charity shop.

No change - Darcy Watts said she prefers shopping in-storeNo change - Darcy Watts said she prefers shopping in-store (Image: Newsquest Reporter)

They added: “We love shopping in stores. We like to sit down after shopping, grab a nice lunch together.

“We try on clothes together, laugh, it's an experience for us and we don't think we will ever just choose to click and collect.”

Kari Rodgers, UK retail director at Primark, said: “Expanding click and collect is another way we are giving people more reasons to visit their local high street and Primark.

"We know our customers love its convenience and the opportunity to access our wider ranges typically only found in larger stores.

"We’re thrilled to reveal the new stores to offer the service and extend access to our ranges even further before the busy Christmas shopping period begins.”

Alongside the reveal of the next wave of stores, the range available in the service has been expanded to include menswear and homeware alongside women’s and kidswear.