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A Major New Arrival for Epsom Town Centre
There’s been a lot of talk locally - and for good reason. The arrival of Primark in Epsom marks a significant moment for the town centre.
Freshly opened today (25th March) in The Ashley Centre, in the former House of Fraser unit, this is one of the largest retail spaces in the area - and filling it with a well-known high street name is a strong and positive move.
For many residents, it’s an exciting addition. For others, it may raise questions about the changing face of Epsom town. But whichever way you look at it, this is an important development for Epsom.
Today was an amazing event with the Primark staff happily awaiting the opening and could be heard singing and waving their flags…we had the jazzy sounds of Carlo P Sax keeping us all excited while the very long queue of shoppers made their way along from as far back as Gail’s Bakery!
In attendance alongside ourselves were Mayor Councillor Robert Leach and Jackie King (Chief Exec of EEBC).
A Boost for the Local Economy
Attracting a major retailer like Primark brings clear economic benefits.
Firstly, there’s the creation of new local jobs, from retail roles to management and support positions. At a time when many are looking for employment opportunities, this is a welcome boost.
Secondly, a store of this size is likely to increase footfall into the town centre. More visitors coming into Epsom means more people discovering other shops, cafés and services nearby - benefiting the wider local economy.
Bringing More People Into Town
High streets across the UK have faced challenges in recent years, with changing shopping habits and the growth of online retail.
Large, recognisable brands like Primark have the ability to draw people back into physical shopping spaces. Many shoppers prefer to browse in-store, especially for clothing, and this can help reinvigorate town centres.
For Epsom, this is a positive sign - reinforcing its position as a key destination in Surrey.
Supporting a Balanced High Street
While the arrival of big-name brands is important, it’s equally vital that independent businesses continue to thrive.
Epsom’s charm comes from its mix of well-known retailers and unique local businesses - the cafés, restaurants, specialists and services that give the area its personality.
The ideal high street is a balance of both:
With increased footfall from new openings like Primark, there’s a real opportunity for local businesses to benefit too.
A Positive Sign for the Future of Epsom
Filling a large vacant unit like the former House of Fraser site is no small achievement. It sends a clear message that Epsom remains an attractive and viable location for major retailers.
This kind of investment reflects confidence in the town - its residents, its visitors and its future.
Looking Ahead
As Primark prepares to open its doors, it’s an exciting time for Epsom. Whether you’re looking forward to shopping there or simply pleased to see a major unit brought back into use, it’s a development that will have a noticeable impact on the town.
And as always, while welcoming new arrivals, it’s just as important to continue supporting the fantastic local businesses that make Epsom & Ewell such a great place to live.
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