PRIMARK has said that it expects to open 18 new stores this financial year as it continues its expansion programme.

This follows the high-street chain reporting higher revenues on the back of new store openings.

Primark saw its UK sales grow by four per cent as it benefited from new stores and expansions, while sales across the retailer were up three per cent.

There have long been calls from some people in Northwich, particularly on social media, for Primark to open a store in the town centre or in Barons Quay.

However at this moment in time, locations for the new stores have not been revealed.

The growth of the high street fashion chain has also helped to drive up revenues at owner Associated British Foods (ABF), which saw group revenues rise four per cent over the 16-week period to January 4.

The company hailed ‘good trading’ over November and December, despite highlighting a ‘marginal decline’ in like-for-like sales.

Meanwhile, ABF said Primark saw sales in its Eurozone business jump 5.1 per cent higher on the back of ‘strong progress in France and Italy’.

Primark said it heavily benefited from three store openings during the period, as well as site expansions.