Penneys to introduce nails bars and beauty studios

Penneys is to introduce services such as nail bars and beauty studios in a significant number of new and existing stores, according to the CEO of parent company Primark Paul Marchant.

The Dublin-based company, which is known as Penneys in Ireland and as Primark internationally, is 50 years in business this year. Its biggest store is in Birmingham in the UK and features a Disney cafe, men’s barbers and full beauty studio.

“I would think a significant number of our stores will be planned going forward with a beauty or food and beverage offer or maybe both,” said Marchant.“We see it as a really important enhancement to our existing product offer.We have quite an aggressive expansion plan for our services.”   

Beauty services such as nail bars and brow bars were a natural fit, given the company’s expansion into its own-label make-up (the PS…collection) and beauty ranges, he noted. 

Penneys won’t be launching an online shopping services any time soon, however. Marchant said the company has looked at a click and collect shopping option but is unlikely to introduce it within the next two years. 

Primark was founded in 1969 by Arthur Ryan, who died recently. It is now owned by Associated British Foods, which is majority owned by the Weston family.