Primark at Glasgow Fort: First look inside brand new Scottish store with two floors, self-service tills & Christmas shop

PRIMARK officially opens its 195th UK store today - in Glasgow.

The new two-floor shopping hub is the 21st in Scotland and has already left shoppers in a frenzy.

Fashion fans queued to get in to the massive shop - at Glasgow Fort - for the 10am opening this morning.

But we got a sneak peek inside before the official opening - and can assure shoppers they are in for a treat.

The new Primark - the first fresh store in Scotland in nine years - has been a long time coming and from the number of folk who took a look through the windows while we got our tour, it looks like it will be extremely popular.

It's a bright, open and airy shop with loads of light from the giant windows. And it's set out beautifully, with the glam Rita Ora collection and Christmas knits hitting you as soon as you step through the doors.

Also on the ground floor, there's a huge accessories, undies and PJ section - which will be a massive hit for Christmas, the store bosses reckon.

And the party-wear area is packed full of glitz and glitter to get shoppers ready for any festive occasion.

Meanwhile, this Primark has self-service tills - making it just the third store in Scotland with these. The hope is this will help avoid customers waiting in long queues in what will likely be a busy, modern store.

As well as the tech, the store also shows its commitment to sustainability with a donation box for shoppers to drop off old clothes - from any brand - to be recycled, with all profits going to Unicef.

Upstairs there's just as much to see with a vast kids section, including all the favourites, like comfy staples and Disney pyjamas.

And the menswear selection is just as impressive with basics and the more elevated Kem range included.

The homewear section of Primark's business only launched in 2008 - but it's become a firm favourite. At this time of year it is packed with gorgeous, traditional colours and textures as well as some cute Christmas kitchen wear.

Completing the store is a Christmas shop - a one-stop area for gifts, such as plushies and pjs.

For opening day, Primark fans will be greeted by a live DJ, bringing the party atmosphere.                                                                                 

Primark Area Manager for Scotland West & Cumbria, Gavin O’Reilly said: “We’re excited that the time has finally arrived for us to open our brand-new store at Glasgow Fort and I’m so proud of all the Primark colleagues involved in this opening.

"It’s a fantastic milestone to be marking our 21^st store in Scotland, and we’re proud it’s in Glasgow, particularly after such strong anticipation from local shoppers.

“We know there’s a lot of love for Primark after several decades on the Scottish high street. We can’t wait to see what shoppers think of our new store and to bring our customers even more of what they know and love from us, plus a little bit of festive of cheer.”

Meanwhile, fellow area manager Malcolm Campbell added: "Even as we've been here the last two to three days setting up the store, lots of customers have asked them where we're opening, they can't wait to get in here.

"We had our friends and family night on Tuesday and that was a really good opportunity for our colleagues to bring their mums, dads, partners etc.

"I think if Tuesday's anything to go by Thursday's going to be brilliant for the Fort and for Primark in Scotland as well."

Primark first opened its doors in Scotland in Hamilton in 1975, which stands on the same site today and remains one of the retailer’s smallest stores in the world.

Since then, the retailer has opened 20 Primark’s across Scotland and this store joins three existing locations in Glasgow, including Argyle Street, Sauchiehall Street and The Forge Shopping Centre.

Phil Goodman, centre director at Glasgow Fort, added: “We know how excited shoppers have been since we announced Primark’s upcoming arrival, so it will be brilliant to welcome visitors through the doors on Thursday.

“We’re always looking for ways to improve our visitor experience here at Glasgow Fort, especially in the run up to Christmas. Whether you’re searching for the perfect Christmas gift or the latest wardrobe must-haves, our new Primark store is a great addition to the wide range of fashion retailers already at the centre.”